So, it was this day 234 years ago that the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of independence. First off, I find it amazing that this country has survived so long without falling into anarchy, tyranny, or some other oppressive form of government. That in and of itself is a feat that very few countries can call their own.
But many people do not realize what we are truly celebrating here.
The founding fathers took a big step when they signed it, to quote one of my favorite movies:
"Had we lost the war, we would have been hanged, beheaded, drawn and quartered... [and] had our entrails cut out and burned."
Honestly, that doesn't leave a pleasant picture in your head. And remember, that quote is quite conservative.
And don't forget General Washington. While he did not sign the Deceleration of Independence, he risked his neck in several other ways. Namely leading a starving, cold, badly-equipped, untrained group of (mostly) farmers, against the warm (well relatively), full-bellied, well-equipped, well trained British army. And let's not forget, he was vastly outnumbered. Yet he did it. Kudos to Washington.
So just remember what was at stake when our country did this. And remember, if they had lost, I have no doubt we would still be under British control
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