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Declaration of Independence 1776

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In this year of 2020, it is time to read once again the words of the Declaration of Independence and resolve to exercise our rights and our duties as citizens of the United States of America.

In Congress: July 4, 1776

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. 

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. 

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and, when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. 

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only. 

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. 

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing, with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people. 

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the state remaining, in the mean time, exposed to all the dangers of invasions from without and convulsions within. 

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers. 

He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. 

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance. 

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislatures. 

He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the civil power. 

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution and unacknowledged by our laws, giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation: 

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us; 

For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states; 

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world; 

For imposing taxes on us without our consent; 

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury; 

For transporting us beyond seas, to be tried for pretended offenses; 

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies; 

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments; 

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. 

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us. 

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. 

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. 

He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands. 

He has excited domestic insurrection among us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions. 

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms; our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have we been wanting in our attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them, from time to time, of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity; and we have conjured them, by the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too, have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends. 

WE, THEREFORE, the REPRESENTATIVES of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. 

President Continental Congress
John Hancock (Massachusetts)

New Hampshire
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts
Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll

Virginia
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton,

North Carolina
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

For Better Health and Increased Happiness, Be Thankful

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We’re entering a holiday season that comes with many unrealistic expectations and a long ‘to do’ list. It also brings memories of loss and of the past. These, along with other thoughts, can take the joy out of the season and also from life.  It is often overwhelming.

Be thankful

Studies have shown that for better health and increased happiness, be thankful. Gratitude recognizes the good in our lives – family, friends, work, health, food or a roof over our heads. Some of these may be missing but searching for areas of gratefulness and fully appreciating even the smallest area of good in life can lift spirits.

One step to achieving this positive state means realizing the source of people’s happiness lies, at least partially, beyond themselves. With that realization, a connection begins with other people, a higher power, or even nature. Psychology research has revealed that “gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” When grateful, a person is more likely to reach out and touch others who are still struggling with thankfulness.

How to increase gratefulness

In general, change focus.

The past: think of positive memories, perhaps of some childhood time or a time of good fortune.

The present: Notice when good things happen and appreciate them: a kind word, a beautiful sunset, a new or old friendship.

The future: Change from pessimism to optimism in almost all occasions.

Overall, appreciate where you are in life right now and who you are. Mr. Rogers said, “I like you just the way you are.” We can apply that to ourselves as well as others. That doesn’t mean you have to stay there, but it helps to refocus and like yourself in whatever situation. Gratitude comes with acknowledging what you have, not what you don’t have. Again as Mr. Rogers said, “I believe it’s a fact of life that what we have is less important than what we make out of what we have.” Stephen Covey in “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” wrote of a scarcity mindset versus an abundant mindset, “It is the paradigm that there is plenty out there and enough to spare for everybody.”

We are thankful for you who are reading this, for our clients, for our family and friends. We are thankful for the opportunity to help people who are victims of others’ misdeeds.

We wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving 2019 from all of us!

Do You Know the History of July 4th Celebration?

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Most know that the 13 colonies of the United States broke ties with English governance on July 4, 1776; but do you know the history of July 4th celebration?

History of July 4th celebration

From 1763 until 1775 the colonists found their rights as English citizens taken away by the British. This led to unrest and actual fighting from April of 1775 until July 2, 1776.
After this year of conflict between the colonies and Britain, Philadelphia hosted the Second Continental Congress beginning in May of 1775. The famous resolution that came from this congress was a statement by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. “Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

Thus began the movement to create an official Declaration of Independence. It did not happen immediately as seven of the colonies voted to postpone this draft. Though postponed, five men were appointed to prepare a document that showed the world the case for this break with England. The five men on this committee were John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York, and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia who was appointed to prepare the actual document.

The Second Continental Congress gathered again on July 1, 1776, where it adopted the Lee Resolution on July 2nd. At that time, 12 of 13 colonies approved the document, with New York abstaining.

How did July 4th become a national holiday?

After two more days of further discussion, there were 86 changes made in Jefferson’s document including removal of his condemnation of Britain’s slave trade. Overall, the message and spirit of the document did not change. Late afternoon on July 4th the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted. Nine of the 13 colonies voted “yes”, Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted “no”, Delaware was undecided, and New York abstained. On July 9th, New York added its vote for the Declaration. With this signing, the “rebellion” against Britain became a “revolution”. Though it passed on July 4th, it was not signed until August 2, 1776. The final signer, Thomas McKean of Delaware, did not sign until 1781. The American Revolution ended in 1783.

Congressional acceptance and signing, however, did not end the controversy – nor did the end of the American Revolution. By the 1790s, a partisan rivalry was in progress and the Declaration was a focus point for division. The Democratic-Republicans still believed the Declaration to be right and necessary, while the Federalists believed it to be too French and too anti-British. In 1817, John Adams wrote a letter asserting that America seemed uninterested in its past. That changed with the War of 1812 which influenced the political scene into the 1830s. By then the Federalist party disintegrated and the general mood of the country supported Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans. A printing of 200 copies of the Declaration circulated throughout the country with July 4, 1776 shown at the top. Adding to the patriotic feelings toward the July 4th date were the deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of acceptance for the Declaration.

It was 1870 when the United States congress declared July 4 a national holiday, followed by further legislation on observance of the day in 1939 and 1941.

The full Declaration of Independence can be read here and the original document can be viewed in Washington, D.C. at the National Archives.

Test your knowledge

Here is a quiz for your knowledge of this holiday – and perhaps a trivia contest for your family gathering – a fun way to learn more of our country’s history.

Enjoy Your Holidays and Stay Safe!

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It’s that busy time of year with increased activities as preparations are made for decorating, gift-giving, and time with family; so take a moment to think how you can enjoy your holidays and stay safe at the same time. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind.

Fire

Check your smoke alarm before adding electrical decorations. Often lights are added during the holidays, both inside and outside of your home. This can put an added strain on breakers, but especially on outlet strips. Watch that these are not overloaded and be aware of any unusual odors or flickering that may signal an overheated strip of lights.

Keep candles unlit unless there is someone watching them and be sure they are not close to flammable materials.

Children – and adults – love to be close to a fireplace. Use a fire screen and check to see if clothing, especially pajamas, are fire-proofed. Outdoor fire pits can be especially enticing to children; be sure an adult monitors activity around the fire and discourages roughhousing in the area.

During gatherings of family and friends, there may be a number of people in the kitchen, including children. Keep pots on the back burners of the stovetop if possible to avoid burns from accidental bumping or little hands reaching.

Pets

While some pets may love the activity and attention, others may become agitated. Ensure there’s a safe place where your pet can relax and also where the pet will not be tempted to lash out at a child. Dropped food can turn a docile pet into one that will bite to defend its prize.

Trees, lights, ornaments, ribbons, wrapping paper, and food – chocolate and nuts especially – must be out of reach or watched closely so you don’t experience a late night trip to an emergency vet.

Shopping and traffic

This is the time of year when the “traffic is terrific” and can put a damper on trips to the mall or event venues. There is no avoiding it, unless all shopping is done online, but be prepared. If you can shop “off hours” you’ll have fewer issues. Check road conditions before leaving home and find the best route.

When you park, keep all packages in the trunk or other place where they cannot be seen. Always lock doors. When walking to and from a store, keep your eyes open and avoid looking at your phone. Take note of where you park so you can walk directly to your vehicle, keys in hand, when leaving the store or event. If you feel uncomfortable about any people in the parking lot, go back into the store and request an escort.

Hold purses or wallets and don’t leave in shopping baskets, even for a moment. Guard your cards and carefully input your PIN number in a manner that is not visible to others.

Drinking

This time of year is filled with parties and dinners where liquor is served. If you want to celebrate with drinks, there are ways to do it safely. If you have one drink, have it early and eat at the same time. Stay long enough to remove it from your system before driving. Otherwise, ride with a friend or take one of the car services to get home. Many holidays have been ruined because of one too many.

Enjoy your holidays!

These suggestions are common sense and take very little time, but they can save you from a holiday and lifetime of regrets. Enjoy your holidays and stay safe!

Have fun! Make memories! Celebrate!

Veterans Day is a National Thank You to All Who Served

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While Veterans Day began as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’,” we now set aside November 11th as a time to honor our military men and women as a national thank you to all who served and are serving our country.

The history

1919

Armistice Day was proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in a message one year after the end of World War I. In it he stated, “To us in America the reflection of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”

1924

In June, 1924, Congress requested a resolution from President Calvin Coolidge to deliver an annual proclamation for the observance of November 11th with “appropriate ceremonies.”

1938

Congress approved an Act on May 13, 1938 making each November 11th a legal holiday, “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.”

1945

In 1945, Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran from Birmingham, Alabama, determined all veterans, not just those who served in WWI, should be celebrated. He led a delegation to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who also supported the idea of a national Veterans Day. In many ways, Mr. Weeks is the “Father of Veterans Day” as we know it today.

1947

The first national celebration was held in Alabama and led by Mr. Weeks.

1954

On May 26, 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill establishing Armistice Day as a national holiday. Just a week later, Congress amended the new law by changing the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

1971

In accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. However, seven years later it was returned to November 11th, but celebrated on either Friday or Monday if it occurs on the weekend.

How can we say thank you to all who served?

Many who served, especially those on ships, were exposed to asbestos in addition to the dangers of their service. From WWII through Vietnam, veterans faced this unseen danger. Many ships continued in service long after Vietnam. In fact, of the almost 3,000 Americans diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma annually, a significant percentage of them served in the U.S. Navy.

Though the asbestos fibers were unseen, they were throughout the ships: fireproofing, steam lines, pumps, boilers, condensers, evaporators, distillers, turbines, deck material, and electrical equipment.

Since there can be 50 years between exposure and diagnosis, service men and women still suffer from diseases brought about through exposure on ships. In those same years, those at home were also exposed through building materials or other occupations.

Banning asbestos in the United States is long overdue. Let your voice be heard by contacting the EPA and letting them know you want a ban. There is no safe level of exposure. While we can’t turn back the clock for our military men and women who suffered exposure, we can say “thank you” by working to prevent exposure to their children and grandchildren. Click here to find out how you can be heard.