Declaration of Independence

The Second Declaration

July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 B. John 68 Views 0 Comments Historical Fiction, Democracy, John Lewis, Civic Engagement, American History, Constitution, Declaration of Independence, America250, Thomas Jefferson

This entry is in the series The 250th 4th

This is the 4th in a series related to this 250th Fourth of July

Imagine, for just a moment, that one of America’s Founders could return on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and quietly walk among us. What would he see? More importantly, what would he think?

In this work of historical fiction, I explore that question through the eyes of an aging observer who discovers a nation that has exceeded the dreams of 1776 in remarkable ways while, at the same time, placing many of its founding ideals in jeopardy. His journey takes him from Independence Hall to Monticello, Gettysburg, Selma, and Washington as he confronts both America’s greatest achievements and its deepest contradictions.
The result is not a history lesson or a political speech. It is a meditation on liberty, citizenship, and the unfinished work of the American experiment. Along the way, familiar figures from our past take on new meaning, old promises are reconsidered, and one unforgettable question is left for every generation to answer.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read The Second Declaration. I suspect it may stay with you long after you’ve reached the final sentence.

Kings Mountain Politics Culture Featured Places

The Promise and the Pain of 250 Years

July 2, 2026July 9, 2026 B. John 234 Views 1 Comment John Lewis, Fourth of July, Constitution, American Democracy, Declaration of Independence, American History, Civil Rights, More Perfect Union, Patriotism

This entry is in the series The 250th 4th

Essay 1 of a series examining where we are at 250 years

For many Americans, the Fourth of July is a celebration filled with fireworks, flags, and patriotic pride. But as our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I find myself looking back to the optimism of the 1976 Bicentennial and wondering what became of the country I believed we were becoming. This is not a rejection of America, but a lament for a promise that feels increasingly out of reach.

The Declaration was never meant to be proof that America had achieved liberty and equality. It was an invitation for every generation to continue the work of building a more perfect Union. As constitutional norms erode and our politics become more divided, I struggle to celebrate, but I also remember John Lewis’ reminder never to surrender to despair. Patriotism, perhaps, is not blind celebration, but the willingness to keep defending the ideals that first gave birth to this nation.

General Featured Politics Constitution

And To The Republic…One Nation?

July 4, 2009 B. John 502 Views 0 Comments Star Spangled Banner, Constitution, america, Declaration of Independence, Independance Day, July 4th, 4th of July, Ray Charles, America the Beautiful, National Anthem

One can’t be as opinionated as I, and not post a message on Independence Day. As I have stated before, I remain concerned about the condition of our Republic. We no longer seem to be one nation…we have devolved into red and blue states, with the extreme right and left pulling the center apart. We’ve become a nation of “haves” and “have nots” We have lost touch with that primary Constitutional principle of “the common good.”

Culture Movies

National Treasure

May 30, 2006 B. John 444 Views Action, Adventure, Jon Turteltaub, Nicolas Cage, codes, Declaration of Independence, National Treasure, riddles

A treasure hunter is in hot pursuit of a mythical treasure that has been passed down for centuries, while his employer turned enemy is onto the same path that he’s on.