Mark Levin and Larry Arnn Discuss the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration as a Masterpiece

• 💡 The Declaration of Independence is described as a philosophic, political, theological masterpiece.
• 🧠 Thomas Jefferson drew upon the ideas of great thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and John Locke, alongside 150 years of colonial self-governance.
• 📜 Jefferson stated the Declaration was based on the reigning ideas of the age, not specific books or pamphlets.

Evolution of Religious Freedom and Governance

• 🤝 Early settlers initially sought religious conformity but evolved to recognize the necessity of religious freedom.
• 🏛️ The colonies developed rich democratic institutions like state legislatures and town meetings, drawing from Western civilization without an aristocracy.
• ⚠️ Friction with Britain began in 1763 when policies shifted towards taxation and regulation, challenging colonial self-governance.

Lincoln's Reliance on the Declaration

• ✊ Abraham Lincoln repeatedly cited the Declaration of Independence to frame the moral argument against slavery and defend the Union.
• 📜 Lincoln viewed the Declaration as the foundation of American identity, connecting its principles to the Constitution.
• 🚫 Confederate spokesman John C. Calhoun declared the Declaration obsolete, arguing that people are not born equal and that slaves were inherently inferior.

Critiques of Modern Progressivism

• ⏳ Modern progressivism, influenced by German historicism and figures like Woodrow Wilson, views foundational documents as historical artifacts rather than living principles.
• ⚙️ This perspective emphasizes scientific advancement and technology, leading to the belief that society and human nature can be remade, often concentrating power at the center.
• ⚖️ Progressives tend to see the Declaration's principles as