One hallmark of Marxism (Communism, Socialism, Fascism-really, any “ism”) is to take history-delete it, rework it, or otherwise distort it to suit the regime of the now. We see it all the time, with the Democrats trying to cover for the fact that they were for slavery, Jim Crow Laws, the KKK, the filibustered the 1964 Voting Rights Act. Now, all problems are because of racist white folks, yet they neglect to mention that they ARE the racist white folks. We see it time and time again; The Soviets and Chi-coms really didn’t kill all those people. Tens of millions [...]
History and Heritage
Is Obama “Constrained…by a System Our Founders Put in Place?”
Obama made a rather interesting and well crafted statement regarding gun control and the Constitution. Althouse has the comments and some interpretation… Context: “You hear some of these quotes: ‘I need a gun to protect myself from the government.’ ‘We can’t do background checks because the government is going to come take my guns away,’ Obama said. “Well, the government is us. These officials are elected by you. They are elected by you. I am elected by you. I am constrained, as they are constrained, by a system that our Founders put in place. It’s a government of and by [...]
Schoolhouse Rock: No More Kings
For the low information folks out there, I thought I’d share No More Kings from Schoolhouse Rock. Now kids, what do you do with a King that simple calls himself something else? Related posts: Lessons for Washington DC from School House Rock Faith: King of Kings Occupy Plymouth Rock New Rule: Conservative Authors Should Never Ask Chris Rock About the Tea Party Movement ObamaCare, Rock the Vote, STDs, and Unintended Consequences Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Benjamin Franklin: On the Price of Corn and Management of the Poor, November 1766
Here is a letter, penned by Benjamin Franklin, regarding the price of corn, and the treatment of the poor. It is republished, in full, from The Federalist Papers. I do not believe that there is an established ownership for Franklin’s papers and letters, so I do not believe that I am violating anyone’s copyright. To Messieurs the PUBLIC and CO. I am one of that class of people that feeds you all, and at present is abus’d by you all; — in short I am a Farmer. By your News-papers we are told, that God had sent a very short [...]
The power of words: Common Sense
Note that this post was originally published in 1-9-13 On this day in 1776 Thomas Paine published his pamphlet “Common Sense.” This 47-page pamphlet made the arguments in favor of American independence. Mr. Paine’s use of plain language spoke to the common people of America. It was also the first published pamphlet that openly argued for independence. The powerful words of Mr. Paine helped galvanize a movement that before Common Sense was published was a scattered grumbling at best. Paine fundamentally changed the tenor of colonists’ argument with the crown when he wrote the following: “Europe, and not England, is [...]
Founding Fathers’ Quotes on the People’s Right to Bear Arms
Just three days after the horrible shooting in Newtown Connecticut, progressive forces are in full “never let a crisis go to waste” mode to advance their anti-gun agenda. They have allowed no time for mourning and are striking while the iron is hot. It’s a selfish and shameful act that is driving the national debate towards gun control and the away from the root cause of our problem; the devaluing of human life. I decided that the best people to help make the case for those of us who cherish America and our second amendment rights are our founding fathers. [...]
The Reason for the Second Amendment
What is the reason for the Second Amendment? Why did the founders place in in the Bill of Rights, and why so high up on the list? This video explains it. H/T to commenter Steve, of Cry and Howl for reminding me of this video. We had run it here before, but given present circumstances, it’s a good idea to run it again. Related posts: Major Win for the Second Amendment: A Lesson From History The Second Amendment: What Does It Mean? – An Open Thread Stupak Amendment: Pelosi’s Deception? Another Reason to NOT Vote for Obama: Gun Grabbers on [...]
Pearl Harbor Day 2012
While we are busy paying attention to the political issues of the day, we cannot forget that today is Pearl Harbor Day. Here is some media to drive home what happened there-70 years ago today. USS Arizona Before: After: USS Oklahoma Before: After: It saddens me that we are rapidly losing the “greatest generation.” The generation of my grandparents. Soon, they will be gone, and we will have to tell their stories for them. If any are reading this, rest assured that we will not forget, and we will teach our children. Thank you for your sacrifices and service. Related [...]
As “Big E” Retired, New Carrier to take Name “Enterprise”
The Navy recently deactivated CVN 65, the Enterprise. However, they have announced that CVN 80 will carry the name on. The Army Time has more… On the day the Navy officially took the aircraft carrier Enterprise out of service after 51 years in the fleet, the service announced that the name Enterprise won’t be absent long from the fleet. The third Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, CVN-80, will become the ninth ship in the Navy’s history to be named Enterprise, Navy Ray Mabus announced Dec. 1 in a pre-recorded video message that was played at the inactivation ceremony. As the [...]
The Story of the First Thanksgiving 2012
This is the annual CH 2.0 re-telling of the true story of the first Thanksgiving. Given the re-election of Barak Obama, this story is more relevant today than ever. I heard this story years ago, so I thought I’d post it. The official story has the pilgrims boarding the Mayflower, coming to America and establishing the Plymouth colony in the winter of 1620-21. This first winter is hard, and half the colonists die. But the survivors are hard working and tenacious, and they learn new farming techniques from the Indians. The harvest of 1621 is bountiful. The Pilgrims hold a celebration, [...]
Veterans Day: 2012
Veterans should hold a place in our society that is special. I know that they hold a place in my heart. My father served in WWII with the Marines in the first invasion of Okinawa. He was 150 miles from the Japanese mainland when for the first time in his life he saw a mushroom cloud. Dad told me that his unit had already received orders to go the China coast in an effort to surround Japan. Thank God he did not have to go. My younger brother served in the Navy during the first Gulf War. He was on [...]
John Adams Predicted the Current Mess
The Founders, like John Adams, not only understood the flaws of prior political systems, but they also were keen observers of human nature. Bob Belvedere, from TCOTS, found and posted the following quote from John Adams… I just read the whole section the quote was taken from and have decided to post it here because it not only speaks to the aforementioned Right, but is prophetic in it’s wisdom: Suppose a nation, rich and poor, high and low, ten millions in number, all assembled together; not more than one or two millions will have lands, houses, or any personal property; if we [...]
September 11, 2012
Throughout our history, our nation has faced many evils. Sadly, man has the unerring tendency to engage in the most despicable of behaviors, all in the name of serving a “greater” power or cause. It would seem that the United States has often been caught in the cross-hairs of these evils. The very birth of our nation was predicated on the defeat of tyranny, namely, the “Divine Right of Kings.” The nation was split, literally and figuratively, on the question of whether or not one man could hold a fellow man as property. We, as a people, were horrified by [...]
First Man to Walk on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, Dead at Age 82
Neil Armstrong, the first human being to set foot on the moon, has passed away at age 82. Yahoo news has more… Neil Armstrong was a quiet self-described nerdy engineer who became a global hero when as a steely-nerved pilot he made “one giant leap for mankind” with a small step on to the moon. The modest man who had people on Earth entranced and awed from almost a quarter million miles away has died. He was 82. Armstrong died following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures, a statement Saturday from his family said. It didn’t say where he died. Armstrong commanded [...]
Some Thoughts on Human History and Progressives
Many of you might have noticed that I often put quotations around the word, “progressive.” Over the last couple of years, I’ve probably wasted a thousand keystrokes doing that, so I might as well explain why. For the vast majority of human history, mankind has lived in a state of tyranny. This probably started not long after cave man Ugh realized that his neighbor, Argh was weaker than him, and carried a smaller club. After Argh’s untimely demise (with the exception of some tribal societies), the course of mankind was set. As mankind developed from hunter gatherers to simple agrarian societies, to city [...]
We Know About the Federalist Papers. What About the Anti-Federalist Papers?
Constitutional scholars, federal justices, and lawyers who try cases in federal courts and the Supreme Court often go to the Declaration of Independence and the Federalist papers and other historic documents to get to the original intent of our constitution. Although my education on American history was woefully lacking, I was, at least, aware the something called the Federalist Papers existed. It was decades later when I actually read any of the Federalist Papers and then only about ten of the eighty-five or more papers. It was only recently that I decided it might be educational to find out what those opposed to the [...]
The Declaration of Independence: As Relevant Today as it was in 1776
Note: This was originally posted on July 4, 2009. It’s Independence Day. I wish you all a great day, and ask you to contemplate the meaning of the holiday. To assist, here is a transcript of the Declaration of Independence. IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, 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 [...]
Why the hurry?? We The People have a Primary to participate in.
This is going to be a short post, not rife with sources or videos; just my opinion. I am detecting a pattern with certain pundits on some supposedly Conservative talk radio shows and on network and cable TV outlets. This pattern was something that I became aware of recently and after listening to Mark Levin’s radio show from last Wednesday, the 14th I was gratified to hear that I wasn’t the only one who saw this – and that I wasn’t alone in my disdain for it. What I am referring to is this notion that certain talk show hosts [...]
The Battle of Big Ideas: CONSTRAINED vs. UNCONSTRAINED
Bill Whittle hits another one out of the park with his latest video. Related posts: Ideas Matter: Bill Whittle on Natural Rights Education: Our Greatest Battle? Where the Battle is Won Bill Whittle Explains Obama’s Re-Election Fund… Occupy and Longshoremen Battle to see who is the Real Useful Idiots Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Winning school chants, “USA, USA!!!” Prinicipal says, “We want to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
Our loyal readers know full well that Statism and all it’s inherent subversive agendas can be, and are dangerous to our culture; eroding away our values, mores and beliefs. This story is a prime example of just such erosion. A local school district is apologizing after an apparent incident of racism at a boys high school basketball game this past weekend. When the final whistle blew Saturday, Alamo Heights celebrated a convincing victory over San Antonio Edison. Alamo Heights Head Coach Andrew Brewer said he was proud of his team. “Tremendously proud,” Brewer said. “Tremendously. It’s the best group of [...]
Allen West Teaches History: Leftists Ignore it
Allen West is one of the new Conservative Congressmen that are held in high esteem. Recently, he provided Congress with a history lesson. I think that the Democrats will pretend that this was never said. The MSM will never cover it, and the cries of “racism” will continue. Do you think we ought to make this viral? H/T: An Ol’ Broad’s Ramblings Related posts: The "Arab Spring" and what History Teaches us How Will History Judge This Generation if we let our Republic Slip Away? How I Argue in Person Against Leftists School Teacher Calls for Revolution, Complains About Jews, [...]
Constitution “Too Old, Embraces Few Rights”- Dismissing the Document so Individual Freedom can be Ignored
Our Constitution is an incredible document. Unique in it’s design and application, it puts the rights of the individual over the power of the state. It hearkens to the notion of natural rights-that our rights are granted by our creator, and that government cannot take them away, or otherwise abridge them. That people have a right to speak freely, worship as they please (or not at all), and bear arms in their own defense, can be secure in their papers and possessions, and many others. But, it’s greatest strength, in my opinion, is that it limits the powers of the government. As President Obama lamented, the Constitutions is a collection [...]
A Letter From A Former Slave, to His Former Owner
History is a pure pleasure for me. As most readers already know, my favorite period is WW II, however, I do know a bit about the Civil War as well. The evils of slavery, the death and destruction of the war itself, and then, the struggle of reconstruction did much to shape our history. However, I caught something interesting on Memeorandum today, and it shows the struggles of that age in a slightly different light. Here is a letter written by a former slave, in response to a letter sent by his former master. Dayton, Ohio, August 7, 1865 To My [...]
How Will History Judge This Generation if we let our Republic Slip Away?
In 1787 citizens gathered outside of Independence Hall as delegates emerged after the Philadelphia convention closed. As Benjamin Franklin made his way through the crowd a Philadelphia native Mrs. Powel asked Franklin, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.” The other night when I was watching President Obama give his State of the Union address, he opened his speech talking about his grandparents and their contributions during World War II. This generation is often referred to as the “greatest generation.” This was the generation that held the country together during the great depression. This was [...]
Why We Fight: Unalienable Rights; Does Government Exist to Protect Rights, or to Grant Them?
Note from Matt: Given the current political climate, I thought it might be a good idea to review some differences between the right and the left. So, here is an article from November 2009. Since we are about ideas, I think this is similar to the “Why we Fight” films from WW II. “A free people claims their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as a gift from their chief magistrate.” Thomas Jefferson We are engaged in an ideological struggle. The lines are drawn cleanly between the opponents. One is the side of individual freedom and liberty, [...]
Churchill’s Christmas Eve Address: December 24, 1941
I saw this, posted by Publius, at Big Government, and thought I would share it here. We’re all facing struggles at this time, but in 1941, we were facing something darker. To reflect that, here is Winston Churchill’s Christmas Eve address to the American people, dated December 24, 1941. I spend this anniversary and festival far from my country, far from my family, yet I cannot truthfully say that I feel far from home. Whether it be the ties of blood on my mother’s side, or the friendships I have developed here over many years of active life, or the [...]
Ideas Matter: Bill Whittle on Natural Rights
One of the major factors that separates Conservatives from their detractors is a core set of ideas. Ideas about the nature of the relationship between humanity and government are vital to our core beliefs. They provide a litmus test to determine if we are being true to the pursuit of human freedom. They allow us to form realistic and practical expectations for policies, and they frankly keep us honest. One of the core beliefs that separate us from the regressives is Natural Rights. Simply put, we believe that rights are not derived from government, but predate institutions of power, and are derived directly from God. [...]
The Story of the First Thanksgiving 2011
This is the annual CH 2.0 re-telling of the true story of the first Thanksgiving. Given the type of society advocated by OWS, this story is more relevant today than ever. I heard this story years ago, so I thought I’d post it. The official story has the pilgrims boarding the Mayflower, coming to America and establishing the Plymouth colony in the winter of 1620-21. This first winter is hard, and half the colonists die. But the survivors are hard working and tenacious, and they learn new farming techniques from the Indians. The harvest of 1621 is bountiful. The Pilgrims hold [...]
Veterans Day: 2011
Veterans should hold a place in our society that is special. I know that they hold a place in my heart. My father served in WWII with the Marines in the first invasion of Okinawa. He was 150 miles from the Japanese mainland when for the first time in his life he saw a mushroom cloud. Dad told me that his unit had already received orders to go the China coast in an effort to surround Japan. Thank God he did not have to go. My younger brother served in the Navy during the first Gulf War. He was on [...]
Gridlock: It's not a Flaw, It's a Feature
The pundits often complain of gridlock, and how government cannot get anything “done” for the people. While we would certainly argue that what is often done does little more than make matters worse, but that isn’t exactly today’s topic matter. What we are really talking about is the fact that our Founders planned for, and sought to prevent rapid, sweeping changes to government and society. The American Prospect, a regressive publication, t has a rather interesting article on the subject, and unintentionally makes many points for us… Washington has ground to a halt, paralyzed by a political division deeper than [...]
Sunday Links: 9-11 Tribute Edition
Since so o many of my fellow bloggers have posted about 9-11, a special link post is in order. Mind you, this is not only to give some links to friends, it is also to refocus attention to the actual nature of the event, and what is still at stake. So, here are links regarding 9-11. Please spread the word, and do not allow others to deceive people into thinking that 9-11 wasn’t what it really was. A Conservative Teacher 9/11/11 Ace of Spades HQ The Falling Man Adrienne’s Corner There are no words… All American [...]
September 11, 2011: Tenth Anniversary Post
Throughout our history, our nation has faced many evils. Sadly, man has the unerring tendency to engage in the most despicable of behaviors, all in the name of serving a “greater” power or cause. It would seem that the United States has often been caught in the cross-hairs of these evils. The very birth of our nation was predicated on the defeat of tyranny, namely, the “Divine Right of Kings.” The nation was split, literally and figuratively, on the question of whether or not one man could hold a fellow man as property. We, as a people, were horrified by [...]
I'm a 1936 Republican
The last three years have been very painful for many of conservatives. We have witnessed first-hand the total disregard for our constitution, the overregulation of our economy, the devaluation of our dollar, and the out control spending which has created a massive debt for our children. Now is not the time for watered down solutions. Now is the time to think outside of the box. Now is the time for bold action. Now is the time for sound conservative policies to get America back on its feet. And the platform Republicans should be standing on is the Republican platform of [...]
A Reagan Interlude
I was thinking, some Reagan will be good today, so here is his farewell address… Note: I’m going to work today, probably will go again tomorrow. It seems it has grown far beyond the 40 hours a week. I will get the link post up tomorrow, but comments aren’t likely to be possible. Thanks for continuing to support the CH 2.0! Related posts: Site News: I'm Still Here Sunday Links: Now with Extra Reagan On the 100th Birthday of Ronald Wilson Reagan The prescience of Reagan… Greater Than Reagan Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Sunday Links: Now with Extra Reagan
Welcome to the latest and greatest Sunday Link Post. This was yet another wild and crazy week in the political arena, as the links below will show. I have come up with a way to do the post in about 1/10th of the time as usual, so I can continue sharing great content with all of you. So, consider this post a field test of that method. If I missed anyone, let me know, and I’ll try to find out what went wrong. Friday Ramblings: Are politicians nothing more than crooks and liars? Rise of the Apes Forces Businesses to [...]
Some Thoughts on the Tea Party and the Debt Ceiling Deal
As well all know, the nation is divided on the recently reached debt deal. The left says the Tea Party won, even though most of the Tea Party oriented Congressmen didn’t vote for the deal. As for the Tea Parties, many on that side are blasting the deal, as well as a few of their own that voted for it. In other words, it’s a fur ball. The deal is nowhere near perfect (or as many would say, having a deal at all is a failure). And, the deal leaves openings for all sorts of future shenanigans. However, Da Tech [...]
Great Moments in Civil Discourse: Retroactive Redux
If you thought that political discourse is bad now, let’s take a look back at the nineteenth century. Reason TV took the words of two candidates for POTUS, and put them in campaign commercial form… At any rate, there was never an age of genteel discussion, where gentlemen sipped tea and calmly discussed the divisive issues of the day. American politics have always been cut-throat, and probably always will be. Also, you might want to consider that there has not been a beating on the floor of the Senate for some time, unlike this infamous incident. So, while our left decries “incivility,” [...]
Happy Fourth of July!
Happy Independence Day to all the readers and contributors at CH2.0. No long story here, just wanted to post these two videos, I think they say it all. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQdDjBAJt7c&feature=player_embedded Related posts: Happy Fourth of July! July 4, 1776 Happy New Year!! Ronnie James Dio: July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010 Happy 99th Birthday Ronald Reagan! Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
The Declaration of Independence: As Relevant Today as it was in 1776
Note: This was originally posted on July 4, 2009. It’s Independence Day. I wish you all a great day, and ask you to contemplate the meaning of the holiday. To assist, here is a transcript of the Declaration of Independence. IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, 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 [...]
D-Day
On this date in 1944, Allied forced mad their landings in Normandy. It is still, and probably always will be, the largest amphibious invasion ever mounted. While the Third Reich had less than a year left, there was much bloody and brutal fighting left to go. To properly commemorate the sacrifice and efforts of the rapidly departing, “greatest generation,” here is some comments from Ronald Reagan. If any veterans are reading this, thank you for your service. Related posts: Memorial Day – A Thank you for the Ultimate Sacrifice Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Memorial Day – A Thank you for the Ultimate Sacrifice
Last year, I wrote a Memorial Day article and posted it on my blog. Here it is, and after I revisit that article, I would like to add a thought or two to it. As we mark Memorial Day this year, let us reflect on why we set aside one day to show our gratitude to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedoms and the American way of life. United States soldiers have gone into battle in each and every corner of the world to meet the call and pay the price for [...]
Classic Conservative Hideout: Are Conservatives Anti-intellectual?
One of the most recent statements made of Conservative or the Tea Party members is that they are “anti-intellectual,” or against the “educated class.” It has been said enough for me to think that it is a leftist talking point, so it therefore bears examining. While such a statement might be made about populist movements, I cannot say that this is at all true here. I say that because the founders were intellectuals. They were leaders in society. Franklin was a publisher. Jefferson was an inventor. The list goes on and on. At the time of the convention, 13 men [...]
Classic Conservative Hideout: Individual Rights Vs. The Collective
When we speak about the rights of the individual, we are saying something very different than the left’s view of the topic. Our founders carefully crafted a Constitution that is designed to protect us from the excesses of government. However, a sufficient percentage of the people have not guarded those rights against government intrusion, until just recently. Those excesses are readily apparent in our country today: federal control of education, health care, environmental law, interference with personal property rights, and a litany of others, all in violation of the spirit of the Constitution and it’s writers, interfere with the everyday [...]
Patrick Henry’s Finest Hour: Give me Liberty or give me death
There comes a time in all of our lives when we must take a stand; when riding the fence just doesn’t get it done. It was 236 years ago this past Wednesday when a passionate Virginia lawyer stood before 120 delegates at St John’s Church in Virginia and took a stand against tyranny. This lawyer was Patrick Henry and if he was alive today the left and even some on the right would label him as an extremist. He was indeed radical when it came to his love for liberty and freedom. I for one believe this kind of passion should be [...]
Rest in Peace: Frank W. Buckles
With all of the shenanigans going on with the left, it is easy to miss a good story. Not a “us vs. them” story…just a story that is important, and that marks the passing of an era. Yesterday, Frank W. Buckles, the last US survivor of WW I, passed away at age 110. Buckles lied about his age at 16 to join the US Army. Here is some more from the WaPo… “We have lost a living link to an important era in our nation’s history,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said of Mr. Buckles, whose distant generation was the [...]
Video: The Responsiblities of American Citizenship
I discovered this video on YouTube and found it so interesting that I felt it was post worthy. Professor Clifton L. Ganus lectures on the responsibilities of American citizenship and explains what is required of each citizen to preserve the republic. This video is a bit dated, but it’s extremely relevant to the current national conversation we’re having today about socialism and communism,. As we witness firsthand the failures of socialism in Europe and South America now more than ever we need to have a national conversation on the merits of these flawed ideologies. Back in 1955 they appeared [...]
Hamilton's Gamble, Jefferson's Fear, Our Challenge
Alexander Hamilton is one of America’s first improbable success stories. He was born out of wedlock in the West Indies which was still under British control. Because the Church of England didn’t recognize the relationship between his mother and father, they wouldn’t allow him to attend the church’s school and forced him into tutoring. His situation only got worse when his father abandoned the family and his mother’s ex-husband seized her estate. He and his brother were eventually adopted by a cousin, Peter Lyon, who later committed suicide. He was once again adopted, time separate from his brother, by a [...]
George Washington’s First State of the Union Address
In a few weeks on January 25th President Obama will deliver his address to congress on the State of the Union. I thought I would use today to take the opportunity to post the first State of the Union address delivered to congress by George Washington on this day 221 years ago. At the time of the first address, 12 of the 13 colonies original colonies had already ratified the new constitution with Rhode Island the only hold out. The debt from the war for independence was crippling the States and stifling economic growth. The young nation faced serious threats to its security [...]
Rest In Peace: Dick Winters
It’s my sad duty to report that a (reluctant) American Hero, Dick Winters, has passed away. He was 92. Winters was thrust into the spotlight after the HBO Mini-series, Band of Brothers, brought him the acclaim that comrades thought he deserved, but he personally eschewed. Here is some coverage from PennLive. Dick Winters, the former World War II commander whose war story was told in the book and miniseries “Band of Brothers,” has died. Dick Winters led a quiet life on his Fredericksburg farm and in his Hershey home until the book and miniseries “Band of Brothers” threw him into [...]
July 4, 1776
My friends, this is what it is all about. IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, 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 [...]
