Michael Lesser on Jul 4, 2013 10:11:00 AM
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, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
– Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
Thomas Jefferson’s most famous and well-remembered words naturally come to the forefront of each American’s thoughts as we celebrate America’s birth each year. It is Jefferson’s simple recitations of those three unalterable rights that is, perhaps, his greatest gift to each citizen’s understanding of what it means to be an American. As we celebrate our country’s and our own independence this day, we are again reminded of what we learned as children. We do not doubt that any of our unalienable Rights will be taken from us. As Thornton Law Firm takes this opportunity to wish our clients and their families a happy Independence Day, we also want to remind, in words far less eloquent than our third President’s, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.
As with the words of the Declaration itself, we recall the reasons for our separation from the governance of England. Lost, perhaps, among the long recitations of King George’s tyranny over America, is the following: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury. This most important right is one that is constantly under attack in America – even 237 years after the Declaration was signed. Special interest groups, lobbyists, and Chambers of Commerce across the country apply endless pressure on Congress to limit or end each American’s right to seek redress for harm through a trial by jury. Increasingly, injury claims are pre-empted, limited, or capped in ways that only favor businesses over the rights of the individual.
Americans have fought and died on the fields of battle for the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. Let’s promise each other to continue to fight against any encroachment of the liberties we hold so dear. And have a wonderful Independence Day!
