I am not embarrassed to say that I spent my Saturday afternoon at the downtown library. For three days (October 4,5,6) an original copy of the Declaration of Independence is on display at the Nashville Public Library.
No, it’s not the actual signed copy of the Declaration of Independence, which resides in the National Archives, but one of the twenty-five remaining Dunlap Broadsides, which were printed on the evening of July 4, 1776, by a Philadelphia printer, John Dunlap after the DOI was penned by Thomas Jefferson. These broadsides were distributed through the thirteen colonies and read to the public and printed in news papers.
This rudimentary PR campaign sparked great fervor for individual rights and rebellion. After a copy was read in a New York City public square revolutionaries pulled down a statue of King George III and melted it to make musket balls that would be used against British forces in the fight for independence.
Now, I’ve heard my fair share of bitching about GW and our “do nothing” congress, but our campaign stickers and myspace bulletins are nothing compared to these guys. The “change” they touted was real, their ideals, the pen of Jefferson, that built the frame work of an actual American Revolution.
We may forget that this American Revolution instated our right to revolt, our right to demand change, to ensure that our civil liberties are protected. And perhaps our only voice to those facts is the power of our vote and I will try to spare you the diatribe on excercising your right to vote (FYI: MONDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER DAVIDSON COUNTY), but a generation in apathy is a shame on the efforts of our forefathers.
As we muddle through what has become a very real and frightening economic crisis, war, a gas shortage and election year, we renew interest in our government, our communities, our rights, our history. I don’t know what that means for you but I have never seen the library parking lot so full; I waited in line for almost 30 minutes to see that piece of paper– and it was game day.
Nashville–the country–is a buzz with political hype, Belmont (my alma mater- cheers!) is hosting a town hall style presidential debate this Tuesday (in case you’re a complete political vegetable and haven’t heard about that), election day is less than a month away.
We hang on the fringe of a new day in America. The decisions that are made by our elected officials in this tumultuous time will be noted in the history books for years to come. As we creep to the cusp of financial collapse, terrorism, a failing healthcare system, a looming federal deficit… the decisions we make (whatever choice that may be) are imperative to the breath of our democracy. I’m sorry to be such a hack, but please, do something, anything– let’s appreciate what we can make of this country.
p.s. if you go to see the Dunlap Broadside Monday don’t forget to get your parking validated at the security desk by the check-out desks:)
