Thursday of this week is the 4th of July, a date of historical significance because it marks the birth of our nation. It was on that day in 1776 that representatives of the thirteen colonies signed a document declaring themselves to be a free and independent nation. Most of us are familiar with the contents of that document. We, of course, know it as “The Declaration of Independence.” In clear and concise language, it avows that the colonies are no longer connected with or controlled by the British Empire. […]