The Declaration of Independence as you've never seen it before
Some of us cherish it with near-scriptural reverence. Others simply take
it for granted. In this contentious new look at the Declaration of
Independence, however, celebrated attorney Alan Dershowitz takes
"America's birth certificate" and its principal author, Thomas
Jefferson, to task.
Dershowitz searches for the sources, history, and underlying reasoning
that produced the Declaration and its particular language, from its
reference to the "Laws of Nature and Nature's God" through the long list
of complaints against the abuses of King George III. He points out
contradictions within the document, notes how the meanings of
Jefferson's words have changed over the centuries, and asks many
disturbing questions, including:
- Where do rights come from?
- Do we have "unalienable rights"?
- Do rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" have any
meaning?
- How could slaveowners claim to believe that "all men are created
equal"?
- Is the God of the Declaration the God of the Bible?
- Does the Declaration establish a Christian State?
- Are there "Laws of Nature and of Nature's God"?
Challenging, upsetting, and controversial, this brilliant polemic may
anger you, delight you, or force you to reexamine your opinions. One
thing's for sure: after reading America Declares Independence, you'll
never take the Declaration of Independence for granted again.
