"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."

Did you notice that part about the consent of the governed, and did you digest that segment regarding the right of the people to alter or abolish any government which does not secure our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness? The Declaration of Independence is our ultimate guarantee of freedom in America, because it states that God is the source of our liberty - not the Constitution or any branch of government - these were created as governing instruments to secure our pre-existing God-given liberty.

The Declaration of Independence is the defining statement of the American character, “an expression of the American mind,” as Thomas Jefferson said of it; and a rejection of the Declaration of Independence is the essence of un-American or anti-American sentiment.  The sacred values in this document will lead America into a future of security, liberty, creativity and prosperity.  The Declaration of Independence is also a declaration of war - it is forever a declaration of war against every form of tyranny over the mind of man, including Fascism, Communism and Islamic Totalitarianism.
 
The Declaration of Independence needs to be publically re-declared by our President, Congress and the Supreme Court – this would again be a shot heard ‘round the world.  A mandatory public reading or statement of loyalty to the Declaration of Independence should also be amended into our Constitution as a requirement for any elected or appointed public office-holder at all levels of American government – local, state and federal; and should also be a requirement for American citizenship.

I’m thankful for the Constitution which restrains government from infringing upon our liberties, but I truly thank God for our founding fathers and for our Declaration of Independence. In no other nation on Earth is there such a document which lists and defines the source of our sacred human rights; and the citizens of those nations are therefore at a great disadvantage in comparison to us.

America now faces asymmetrical warfare - a new and growing threat to life and liberty.  We have already suffered major attacks on our homeland, our embassies and our military forces, and the possibility of nuclear or biological attack is real.  Freedom of speech - that most essential component of liberty - is a primary target of our enemies in this new form of war. 

The survival of American liberty is not automatic.  As in 1776, and during our Civil War, and as it was during World War II, our liberty will be secured through suffering and sacrifice, and through our determination, strength and courage.  This is going to be a long war, and we must see to it that government of the people, by the people and for the people does not perish from the earth.  When it comes to the preservation of this nation’s life and liberty, we should adhere to our Declaration of Independence, and also recall from 1775 these words of Patrick Henry:

"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

Ronald R. Cherry, MD