I was greatly surprised but gratified to learn that Bill Kristol, that old Conservative think-er, gathers with friends on the 4th of July to read the Declaration of Independence (reported in the NYTimes this morning). This type of gathering on any “Glorious” 4th of July” is recommended rather than the usual celebrations that demonstrate we have the power and the glory of money to feast and blow up celestial displays of fireworks.
Mr. Kristol is one of the bunch of Conservative thinkers who do not want to tinker with what the really disunited representatives of the former English Colonies were able to cobble together with many, many (vexing to this day), compromises. He believes as do many of his brethren, that the Constitution is not a living, changing document but a fossilized relic to be worshipped. I have a little story about a subversive device I used to teach about the Revolutionary Period.
You see, when I discovered that my upper level High School classes were filled with young people who could barely read comic books, I learned that the 18th Century English in which the Declaration was couched was beyond them. So, I read it through with them and explained it and then gave them an assignment. Thinking that these kids spoke a street language all their own I gave them permission to desecrate the Declaration by putting it in language that for them, were the words and meaning of this precious document.
The results were mixed. Most resorted to repetitions of the sort of “you know” phrases. These were used to fill in gaps that an understanding of those times and the subjects of grievances against King and Parliament needed explication. My classes at least read the Declaration and the Constitution three times before I was through with them. I can just see Mr. Kristol and his colleagues with leaking eyes reading those hallowed words – that they do not want to change either a jot or a tittle – ever!
We owe the signers of the Declaration a great deal but we should not deify them. What we greatly need is that they, like many of the structures from the 19th and 20th Centuries which are falling down, require constant revision to meet the needs of people who do not have to carry around muskets or ride horses to get from here to there. The Revolutionary period was one of great peril – an unfinished time that saw invasions and rebellions and where slavery was not just saved for black people. Barbaric practices commonly followed with respect to women cause us to reflect on Abigail Adams’ reminder to John - to”remember the ladies”.
Do as Mr. Kristol does but please do not think the way he does.