Finding New Meaning in a Founding Document

My sincere thanks to The Times for printing as its Fourth of July editorial the text of the Declaration of Independence. It is a unique and extraordinary document that inspired and continues to inspire not only our nation but, as well, people around the world. In reading it once again, however, I was struck by the number of offenses attributed to the “British crown” that have been, and are being, committed by the current administration.

Perhaps it is time for some remedial education, not only of our nation’s leader and certain members of his administration and party but also of the bare majority of voters who returned this particular George to a second term in order that he might continue to pursue policies so at odds with our founders’ ideals.

Jeffrey A. Wolf

Palos Verdes Peninsula

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Thank you for reprinting the Declaration of Independence. As I read it, I was struck by the fact that many of our founding fathers’ grievances are the same as those felt by today’s Democrats.

For example, John Hancock et al complained that King George III had “forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance ... “; “affected to render the military independent of and superior to the civil power ... “ and perhaps most chillingly, “made judges dependent on his will alone.... “

There are numerous other parallels between the administration of King George III and George W. Bush. Perhaps it’s time we abolished ties to our King George?

Chris Jares

Los Angeles

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Thank you for publishing our Declaration of Independence. Although this was published 229 years ago, during my 65 years I do not recall reading it in its entirety. And, as I read, I was stumped by the word “consanguinity,” and headed to my dictionary -- “descended from the same ancestor.” Then there’s the statement: “For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world.”

While not identical, I think the U.S. position toward Cuba, fueled by Cuban American dissent and honored for questionable political gains, is an example of where our Declaration of Independence has been abrogated to serve the few. This is only one example, but I am sure your readers could add to this list.

Carole Merritt

Topanga