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| Image from http://www.founding.com/the_declaration_of_i/ Read the full text of the Declaration there as well |
Wisely, Jefferson based his case on the Solid
Rock. “They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…” These rights are not removable because they come from God, not government. Thomas appeals to the “Supreme Judge of the world,” rather than King George, who has turned a deaf ear. Not surprisingly, God is also the author of Justice, order, and logic.
Continuing on, Jefferson piles up pillars of logic to frame his case. He explains that “Prudence… will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light… causes…” This is not a whimsical fancy. Thomas’ tone indicates he means business; he uses formal, serious words. Systematically, he lists the thirteen colonies’ complaints against the King. George III won’t listen to reason or representation. He set up puppet rulers and tore down proper ones. He required a standing army in peace time, forced colonists to quarter
