On July 4, 1826, 50 years after signing
The Declaration of Independence,
A document whose preamble Adams wrote,
Declaring self-evident human rights to life, liberty,
And the pursuit of happiness, and
Stating “That whenever any Form
of Government becomes destructive
of these ends, it is the Right of the People
to alter or to abolish it . . .” It is our right
And our responsibility as Americans
To overthrow despots, to fight for freedom,
To alter or abolish governments bent on
Destroying life, liberty, and the pursuit
Of happiness. Were Adams alive today,
He would be shouting at the top of his lungs,
Imploring us to act like real Americans
And not slavering sluggards, drunk on
Cheap beer and even cheaper demented
Demagogues, mad with power and
Determined to ruin the country to line
Their own pockets with tainted dollars.
Shed a tear this day for John Adams
And then start working for freedom.
©2025 Jim Magaw
