The approval of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on the 4th of July, 1776 represented the ultimate political gamble.
The American revolutionaries were fighting against the world’s most powerful country, and the vast majority of colonists in America either opposed or were indifferent to independence.
While the odds were slim, the consequences for failure were severe. All 56 men who later signed the Declaration faced an assured death by hanging were the Revolution to fail.
And they had a lot to lose. The leaders of the Revolution were generally wealthy and influential in the colonies.
But they had suffered what Jefferson called a “long train of abuses” over the previous decade, and believed that failure to take a stand would lead to the destruction of their liberty.
So when they pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor, they meant it.
The Declaration was the ultimate political line in the sand: rights are God-given, not government-granted; government is legitimate only upon the consent of the governed; and government’s purpose is to safeguard the natural rights of the people.
What began as a conservative rebellion seeking the preservation of traditional English rights evolved into a political revolution that laid the foundation for the rise of the greatest republic in history — and that produced transformational consequences around the world.
We as Americans in 2026 are inheritors of this legacy of liberty and the beneficiaries of the courage, wisdom and dedication of the Founding Fathers.
We can acknowledge that our society and nation face a lot of problems. Whether there will be an America 500 celebration may very well depend on how this generation of Americans tackle these challenges.
But there can be no doubt that we are fortunate to be citizens of this republic. And we have a small group of patriots, who took a risky stand 250 years ago, to thank for that.
Happy America 250!
@marklevinshow pretending the citizenship question is a simple originalist absolute by “brilliantly” regurgitating cherry picked history so you can kill all debate as moronic. I’m happy for you that this tactic has made you rich. Def will work on my brother who’ll use it in our debate text.
🎢 World Cup $50 👉🏼 $1k Roller Bet Two
Remember we’re rolling the winnings over from each bet. $72 to $122 today…
🔗 FanDuel bet link: https://t.co/u6VQbTJXDc
Going with the early game on this one!
21+, gamble responsibly.
This is one of the last videos of Charlie Kirk alive 🚨
LOOK CLOSELY AT THE MOVEMENT UNDER HIS SHIRT 👀
A bombshell new court filing today stated that the bullet did not match the riffle used by Tyler Robinson.
It is time to revisit the explosive mic pack theory.
Secretary Noem acknowledges ICE and CBP can't shoot Americans for peacefully protesting, videotaping ICE officers or lawfully carrying a firearm, and yet her agents are routinely violating the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. There is a total leadership breakdown requiring immediate change.
New: Trump's tariffs just got cancelled by the Supreme Court
Since we're capitalists here, these 5 stocks could be positively affected
1. Crox $CROX:
Down 12% since initial Tariff Announcement
"Because most retail footwear is manufacture overseas, removing tariffs reduces cost/pair, allowing Crocs to widen margin"
2. Stellantis $STLA
Down 30% since initial Tariff Announcement
"Stellantis manufactures Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, & Dodge vehicles. Without tariffs, Stellantis can import car parts cheaper, lowering production costs & increasing profits."
3. Dicks $DKS
Down 4% since initial Tariff Announcement
"Because Dick's Sporting Goods sells many imported shoes, apparel, and equipment, removing tariffs lowers its inventory costs and improves margins."
4. Tapestry $TPR
Up 107% since initial Tariff Announcement (wow)
"Because Tapestry makes Coach and Kate Spade handbags overseas, removing tariffs lowers its import costs and increases profit on each item sold."
5. General Motors $GM
Up 70% since initial Tariff Announcement
"Auto supply chains span multiple countries. Removing tariffs can reduce input costs for manufacturing and support broader auto demand by lowering vehicle prices."
@JacobsFieldRBW It’d be nice if you apologized to me. Looking back at our debate from December, I think we can safely admit I was right about this loser front office and those moves/lack there of. 4 for 44 with risp since June 26. I don’t think getting on base has really mattered lol
@JacobsFieldRBW I love Naylor, but if the young guys really emerge this season it could be a net positive, sure. I’m just saying that’s a lot of “Ifs” in a season where you should be trying to build off of a ALCS appearance. I hope this isn’t the last move.
@JacobsFieldRBW Ok, and if this isn’t the last move and they improve the team further I’ll listen to you…or if Rocchio, Brito, Chase, Bazanna, Manzardo, etc., really emerge, again sure. But with so many unknowns, you can’t seriously tell me they’re in a better position NOW to win WS in 2025
@JacobsFieldRBW I’m sorry I didn’t add the B. His plate discipline did suck in those playoffs. So did Jose’s plate discipline by and large if you recall
@JacobsFieldRBW Also short for on base which is the premise of your original post. You said they have more guys that’ll take walks. So that’s what they’re missing on offense to put them in a better position to win a World Series in 2025?
@JacobsFieldRBW So your argument is their increased OP (making all the assumptions you’re making on largely unproven guys) puts them in a better position to win a World Series? That’s seriously it?