"-- that all persons 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 persons, 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 shewn, that humankind 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."
Now, what made this different from other political writings?
"we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
Its the last line that really created America. A willingness to pledge their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the cause of Liberty.
Enjoy the fireworks!
