The #DeclarationOfIndependence was adopted by the on #July4th 250 years ago. Happy #4thOfJuly

All men are equal. That's how they are created. Endowed with certain rights that are not to be debated. Life, liberty, and happiness, just to name a few. We hold these rights to be self-evident and true. Now, it is also man's right to institute government, which derives its power from the people's consent. And when a government's commitment to its citizens falters, it is the right of the people to abolish or alter it. And after the people achieve their liberation, they may take it on themselves to lay the foundation of a new government that is righteous and pure, one that keeps his citizens happy and secure. Now, men will not revolt if their suffering is light. But revolution shall always be the people's right. And when the long train of abuse becomes too much to bear, the system must be reconstructed and repaired. For the United Colonies, now is that hour. Too long has Great Britain usurped our power. The king's tyranny can no longer be permitted. And to prove this to the world, let facts be submitted. He has denied us the power to make laws as we would, even laws that are necessary for the public good. He's dissolved our governments, obstructed our courts, all without the people's consent or support. He has altered and abolished our fundamental charters, blocked foreign trade, denied our right to barter, imposed taxes on us without our consensus, had us tried overseas for pretended offenses, transported foreign troops into our nation, bringing with them tyranny, death, and desolation. Quartered them among us, even in times of peace, while they burnt our towns and plundered our cities. The laws and actions of the king disgust us. He has been too deaf to hear the voice of justice. We've attempted to reason and tried to petition, but the king of Great Britain just refuses to listen. He's a prince whose character is marked by acts of tyranny and is unfit to be the ruler of a people who are free. The United Colonies will tolerate no more. From now on, we are friends in peace, but enemies in war. To the monarchy of Britain, we are no longer bound. We absolve ourselves of all allegiance to the British crown. It's the unanimous decision of these men in attendance. The States of America declare their independence.