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Calvin Coolidge on the Declaration of Independence

CATEGORY: HISTORY (4 min)
 

What We Celebrate on the Fourth of July: Calvin Coolidge on the Declaration of Independence


Grilling hamburgers and waving sparklers is a great way to celebrate Independence Day.

But something more is necessary—especially now.

We also need reflection.

We’re all about first principles at ISI. We think it’s important to return to the principles that made America the best hope of millions upon millions of people.

To remember why we celebrate its birth.

It’s not to celebrate supposed oppression, but to remember the principles that make freedom and human flourishing possible.

So let’s turn to this excellent speech delivered nearly 100 years ago by President Calvin Coolidge.

A few key takeaways from Coolidge’s speech:
  • America was founded on three principles: all men are created equal, they are endowed with certain inalienable rights, and government powers must derive from the consent of the governed.
     
  • The institutions of our country are tested institutions. They have been around for a long time because they met—and overcame—every conceivable challenge.
     
  • No matter what happens in our society, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution ought to provide us with solace. Coolidge explains why.
     
  • Great ideas don’t “burst on the world unannounced” but develop gradually over time. (To paraphrase Roger Scruton: it’s easy to destroy and much harder to build.)
     
  • The Declaration of Independence is a spiritual document.
     
  • Reform is important and often necessary—but it requires understanding and knowledge, not radicalism.

On this Independence Day, take just four minutes to read Coolidge’s words for yourself.
 
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TONIGHT: What Does the Common Good Look Like Now?


There’s a lot of debate right now about the common good.

And how those debates play out will make a huge difference for the future of conservatism . . . and of the country. 

Join us this evening, Thursday, July 2, at 7 p.m. ET with Robert P. George, America’s “most influential conservative Christian thinker” (New York Times Magazine).

Robert P. George will answer such questions as:

  • Just what IS the “common good” anyway?
     
  • Is the common good compatible with liberty and individual rights?
     
  • Are there dangers in going too far in pursuit of the common good?


You do need to register, so reserve your spot now.
 
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