It's America's 237th birthday. It's still thriving, despite its politicians. Here is the first part of the document drafted by Thomas Jefferson, summarizing ideas of John Locke and the Continental Philosophers. The world owes them a great debt:
"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness...."
For the full Declaration, go here: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
On holidays I usually take the floating book shop to Park Slope. Since I've had the most favorable parking spot secured since Monday, I decided to stay put, hoping those who work during the week would stop by. The plan didn't really work. I sold only three books of non-fiction, two on philosophy and one on counter culture. The best selling thrillers I have on display are attracting only glances. Old Ruth approached and asked if I'd noticed if the buses were running. She and two friends are members of a beach club in Coney Island, where the 275 foot tall Astrotower was said to be swaying during a recent storm. The park around it was closed and traffic rerouted. Since it was miles away, it didn't seem logical that the buses in our area weren't running. I stepped out into the street and spotted the #36 on its way. 15 minutes later Ruth returned with a gift, paperback novels by Sidney Sheldon and Dean Koontz. Bless her heart and lovely blue eyes.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
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