Declaration of Independence vs. Constitution: Liberty Toastmasters Explore America’s Founding Documents

On December 5, 2023, Kim Monson welcomes Liberty Toastmasters members Rick Rome, Greg Morrissey, Terri Goon, Bill Federer, and Carol Baker to examine the vital connection between the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. In hour two, retired Air Force Colonel Bill Rutledge shares his personal journey navigating VA cemetery benefits for veterans and their families. Thomas Paine Ignited the Revolution Start listening at 48:57 – Hour 1 Bill Federer provides crucial historical context about the transformation from colonial reconciliation to revolution. At the time of Lexington and Concord, he explains, most colonists still wanted reconciliation with Britain, as evidenced by the Olive Branch Petition sent to King George III in July 1775. Everything changed when Thomas Paine published Common Sense in early 1776. The pamphlet became a massive bestseller, was copied by other printers, read aloud in churches, and shared throughout the colonies. It challenged the prevailing idea that established government is the source of rights and created a new public sentiment summarized in three words: “common sense independence.” Federer notes that the original Constitution was much closer to the Declaration’s philosophy than what has developed over the past century. “The Constitution can best be understood as an effort to implement the self-rule philosophy of the Declaration.” Bill Federer, Historian Founding Grievances Still Resonate Today Start listening at 32:22 – Hour 1 Rick Rome, President of Liberty Toastmasters South, draws striking parallels between King George III’s abuses enumerated in the Declaration of Independence and modern government overreach. Rome highlights how grievances against the IRS weaponization, open border policies, and the treatment of January 6th defendants echo the colonists’ complaints against tyranny. Rome emphasizes that the founders risked everything to secure liberty, and current generations bear the same responsibility. His analysis demonstrates how the Declaration’s complaints about quartering troops, obstructing justice, and imposing taxes without consent find disturbing modern equivalents. “I think it’s incumbent on us and our generation to do the work to keep our republic.” Rick Rome, President, Liberty Toastmasters South Six Men Who Signed Both Documents Start listening at 35:00 – Hour 1 Greg Morrissey reveals fascinating historical facts about the relationship between America’s two founding documents. Despite being written just 11 years apart, only six men signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution: George Clymer, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, George Read, Roger Sherman, and James Wilson. Morrissey notes that Thomas Jefferson was not even present for the Constitutional Convention, serving as American minister to France in 1787. The Constitution, he explains, emerged from the Declaration’s philosophical foundation, transforming the ideals of independence into a practical framework for self-governance. “Everyone who went to class should know your history, know how this all came about, because just like Rick Rome said, we cannot let it go. We have to keep it.” Greg Morrissey, Liberty Toastmasters Local Victory Against Tax Increases Start listening at 38:36 – Hour 1