Most of the Declaration of Independence was a litany of grievances against King George III. The language was pretty stark – “He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns and destroyed the lives of our people.” But also timelessly eloquent –“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Here, though, is what strikes me most this year as I reread it. It was a declaration not just of independence but of common cause, a way of forging together an often fractious people. The last line,

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) released the following statement on Independence Day, July 4th, 2021. “Today, as always, we should remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives defending our freedom. We should also recognize and celebrate the people who have dreamed, aspired, built and created this marvel of a nation we call America. I hope every American takes the time to reflect on what these brave and industrious men and women have bestowed upon us. A gift, that in the span of human history is so very rare and precious. On this day, let us also rededicate