The Declaration of Independence severed the 13 American colonies’ ties with Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence committee included: Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. After 86 changes to the initial draft of the document, which was drafted mostly by Thomas Jefferson; the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the final version of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.(1) This month, I have used ‘independence’ as a theme and allowed persons to respond to the prompt: ‘What Do You Want to Declare Independence From?’ I received the most compelling responses. In the last installment of this series two young brothers submitted their Declarations. These Declarations ran in last year’s series. However, a few respondents mentioned the young men’s Declarations and a few of you have asked that I re-run their Declarations. These young men’s Declarations are included below in conclusion of this series. Remember, if you’ve missed any articles in this series, feel free to view the archived digital edition at: https://milwaukeetimesnews.com/category/digital-editions
Declaration of Independence From All Financial and Social Shackles
We live in a time of social and economic Darwinism. Only the loudest, most vocal, and opinionated stay afloat with the new realm of social media. Furthermore, the majority of individuals, including myself at this current moment, are barely maintaining their existence with the small purse they have. Inflated credit card statements, living paycheck to paycheck, or just not finding ways to afford the life they desire, people remain at the bottom of the economic chain perpetuating the endless cycle of be employed, be a consumer, be in debt. Enough is enough! I refuse to succumb to the ease of not aspiring for greatness. Time to eternally adopt Mamba Mentality. Ascending towards both personal soulful fulfillment and financial freedom for generations is the only option. My Declaration of Independence is from all Financial and Social Shackles so that I may inspire others while also living an abundantly wealthy life filled with love.
– Melvin, 30 years
My Declaration To Pursue My Aspirations
Too many of us today live by what society tells us is okay. While we need a certain amount of social conformity, our lives are ours to live, and we don’t need others dictating how and when to operate. For this reason, we as human beings need to break out of the “societal chains” and dare to dream, dare to aspire. Everyone has a right to a dream, and we can fulfill those dreams by challenging ourselves and being unafraid to go against the grain.
Life is too short for us to live it regretting what we could not do or what could have been. Whether there is something that you want to do, places that you want to go, or knowledge that you want to acquire, you have to take the action to make it a reality. We cannot take for granted our time on this earth, so take the initiative to reach your goals before your time expires. My Declaration of Independence allows me the freedom to pursue my aspirations as well as the freedom to achieve them for as long as I am alive!
– Jordan, 23
Beloved, I hope you have benefited from this month’s articles. I want to thank all persons who contributed to this year’s series.
Source:
1 Milwaukee PBS, “The History of America’s Independence Day.”
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