July 4th and a radical idea that still resonates from Lansing to Washington: power from the people

July 4th and a radical idea that still resonates from Lansing to Washington: power from the people

Jon King
July 4, 2025 7:00 am


(Michigan Advance) On this day 249 years ago – July 4, 1776 – the 2nd Continental Congress approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, as a burgeoning nation sought to establish itself free from tyrannical one-man rule.

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Whatever the date, its essential truth remains worthy of reminding ourselves about today, namely the absolute (“inalienable”) right of any people to self-governance, and further, that the government they choose must derive its power from the consent of the governed.

What many of us now take for granted was a radical notion in 1776, and frankly, remains so today.

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In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. ...........................(more)

https://michiganadvance.com/2025/07/04/july-4th-and-a-radical-idea-that-still-resonates-from-lansing-to-washington-power-from-the-people/