Which people?

        As we celebrate the Declaration of Independence today, Heather Cox Richardson puts the case succinctly by quoting from the Declaration and then juxtaposing it with Abraham Lincoln's immortal address at Gettysburg.   Yes, the Founders and in particular, Thomas Jefferson declared all men are created equal, which of course did not mean his slaves.  Eventually, this wrong was righted and even women were included by 1920.

      Lincoln reminded us of what was at stake in the Civil War.  The South wished to re-establish an aristocracy of birth, making a hollow mockery of the Declaration.   He called on his fellow Americans to rededicate themselves to the proposition of government of the people, by the people and for the people.  

    We now live in an era where powerful and wealthy elites would turn back the clock and impose another hereditary aristocracy on the nation.  I believe Lincoln would have some thoughts on this idea.  I hope anyone who reads this will also ponder its implications during today's celebrations.