TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

I love to read the Declaration of Independence. It is among the most poignant pieces of literature in the world. From where we stand today, July 4, 2009, we look back on one of the most bold and humble confrontations for freedom in world history.

On July 4, 1776, representatives of the people solemnly declared their sovereignty. It was a portentous moment, affirming the people’s God-given rights to live in freedom and to pursue fulfillment. There was no celebration; there was only foreboding. Their final unflinching words to the king of Great Britain were, “we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor” in support of the people’s declaration of independence.

The people proclaimed they would no longer tolerate the abridging of their unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They would no longer trade these rights for the scraps cast across the ocean by a tyrant. They would instead risk their lives, their fortunes and their reputations to ensure that future generations would be free from tyranny.

First of all, the people demanded that the government secure these rights for them and their posterity. The government would be based on principles and structured such that the people would not be hindered in their pursuit of fulfillment in life. And the government would be accountable to the people who alone grant to it the authority to secure our future and effect our safety and happiness.

Somewhere along the way we lost that sober, unpretentious commitment to the principles of our freedom. Then, we refused to be wearied into compliance by the king, ignored his bitter contempt of our self-reliance, and rejected his arrogant overreaching. Now, we acquiesce to the bureaucratic malaise, tolerate the erosion of our American identity, and accept an overbearing government.

As time has passed the government has forgotten its mandate. By permission our representatives exercise administrative authority, and they must act justly. We commission them to act on our behalf to preserve this sanctuary where we exercise our inalienable right to seek happiness. And it is their solemn duty to act wisely to ensure that this same opportunity to realize the blessings of liberty is passed down to our children’s children.

We have become complacent and our government has grown irresponsible. The people need to reclaim their fervent demand for liberty, and our representatives need to recover a solemn humility as they approach their responsibility to bring about a sure future for liberty.

As they did on July 4, 1776, Americans today must “mutually pledge to each other” to assure a certain future for our country above every self-interest. Otherwise, we will surely incite the ascent of tyranny.

Ric Llewellyn is one of four conservative community columnists whose work usually appears on Saturday. He wrote a special column for Independence Day. These are the opinions of Llewellyn, not necessarily The Californian's. You can write to him at rllewellyn@bakersfield.com.