Today is Independence Day or as it is more commonly known in America the Fourth of July. On this date in 1776 a small group of brave Americans risked their lives by signing a Declaration of Independence from England on the behalf of their fellow American colonists. To this day the Constitution serves as the basis of law in America. It was unveiled to the public on September 17, 1787. It wasn’t the law of the land until New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify it on June 21, 1788. On May 29, 1790 Rhode Island was the thirteenth and final state to ratify it. Contrary to right wing mythology the founders, let alone the original citizens, were far from a homogeneous group of like thinkers. However they designed an experiment in democracy that has endured and become more perfect over the ensuing decades. Today I fear for the future of a democratic America. Let’s explore. Continue reading A Call For Patriots →