I haven't actually read The Declaration of Independence in a very long time. Since high school, actually. And I'd forgotten how things resonate, written more than 200 years ago, today. Today, as we're grilling and setting off firecrackers and drinking beer, it's worth remembering that once upon a time, these things were cause for revolution:
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation.
Happy Fourth of July, everyone.