Embrace Coolidge's sage advice
In a historic speech delivered at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on July 5, 1926, Calvin Coolidge, the only U.S. president born on the Fourth of July, highlighted the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document in American history.
Coolidge emphasised the absolute nature of the principles enshrined in the Declaration, such as "all men are created equal," "endowed with inalienable rights," and "governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed." He argued that these truths, which were proclaimed at great personal risk by the Founding Fathers, are not subject to being superseded by modern progress or new political ideas[1][2][3].
The speech, which comes 150 years after the Declaration's promulgation, serves as a timeless reminder that the principles of individual rights, equality, and popular sovereignty must anchor governance. Coolidge warned against deviations toward centralized, unchecked leadership, asserting that such a retreat is a retreat from true progress and democracy[1][2][4].
Relating Coolidge’s speech to current events, his warnings about centralized power and unqualified claims to leadership resonate strongly. His insistence that governments must derive power from the consent of the governed critiques modern trends where power often concentrates in bureaucracies or elites disconnected from democratic accountability. Likewise, the caution against those who claim modernity as a justification for overriding individual rights or equality challenges leaders who make broad, unearned claims of authority without genuine public mandate or respect for constitutional limits[2].
The Declaration of Independence, which states that all men are created equal and asserts life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as inalienable rights, was made to break free from the rule of the king of England. This revolutionary document has guided the nation's path ever since, and Coolidge's speech serves as a call to remember and uphold its principles in the face of modern challenges[1][2][3].
In addition to its historical and political significance, the Declaration of Independence continues to be a topic of discussion and debate. The article features columnists, both local and syndicated, who offer their perspectives on the Declaration and its relevance to contemporary issues. Readers are also encouraged to submit letters to the editor, sharing their thoughts on the Declaration and its enduring importance[5].
[1] https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript [2] https://www.calvin-coolidge.org/2021-07-05/coolidge-declaration-of-independence-speech/ [3] https://www.americanhistory.si.edu/blog/coolidge-speech-declaration-independence [4] https://www.history.com/news/calvin-coolidge-declaration-of-independence-speech [5] The Sun's opinion section is featured in the article.
The timeless principles enunciated by Coolidge, such as individual rights, equality, and popular sovereignty, are not only pertinent to political news and policy-and-legislation debates but also serve as a critique of modern trends that concentrates power in bureaucracies or elites disconnected from democratic accountability. Furthermore, the ongoing discussion and debate about the Declaration of Independence highlight the general-news relevance of the revolutionary document in contemporary issues, with readers encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives on its enduring importance.
