Why We Celebrate July 4th

Most of us know July 4th is the day the United States issued the Declaration of Independence. But have you ever read it?

Here is a video of notable Minnesotans reading the declaration. Listen to the power this diverse group of people gives to these centuries old words. As you listen to the list of grievances against the King of England, consider them in the light of today's political turmoil.

Has much really changed? Consider this line: "He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands."

Even though the issue of open immigration was central to the founding of our country 234 years ago, it continues to be a political hot potato today.

Readers include Former First Lady of Minnesota Jane Freeman, Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, Minnesota State Senator Satveer Chaudhary, St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington, Minnesota Public Radio Host Gary Eichten, Minnesota Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher and many others.

Full text of the Declaration of Independence can be found at: http://www.earlyamer ica.com/earlyamerica /freedom/doi/text.ht ml