Replies

No--the last line:

The second to the last sentence says so (it is long though, for a sentence)...

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.

By independent they also meant united--small u. But all together fighting as one nation, with one military, one peace, one alliance, one commerce, etc., shared together and not 13 separate ones.

I get it. However, they were still united "States" (another term for an autonomous society) for the overall excepted name of the New World of America in their fight, but not a Nation until the Constitution was ratified by the majority. Maybe I'm picking nits.

Enjoy your 4th, sir.

"and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States;"

This makes both our points.

A shame that VetsCoR didn't work out. Great idea, but lacking support by the very Veterans we were trying to convince to Restore our Constitutional Republic. I blame myself mostly because I didn't know how to fund raise nor know those who could. It also occurred to me that Veterans would prefer to hang with their Brothers at their various lodges than deal with politics.

Nowadays, I send some contributions to various Veteran causes. It's the best I can do having failed as VetsCoR Chairman and PR representative. The biggest fail of my life.