July 4th, 2009.

“It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning cannot be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people.” - Calvin Coolidge (born July 4th 1872 - died January 5th 1933) the 30th President of the United States of America. Coolidge defended the principles of the Declaration from assault by progressives of his day, who challenged the wisdom of the framers.

This July 4th take a minute and keep cool with Coolidge. (history buffs will recognize that as one of his campaign slogans.) A great article at heritage.org