Self-government -- that is, a people exercising all the necessary functions of power without interference of a higher authority that they can't control themselves -- is a core American value. It's also at the heart of the Declaration of Independence, signed 235 years ago, and which we celebrate today.
Thomas Jefferson, the document’s primary author, wrote that self-rule is "the separate and equal station" that a people are entitled to under "the laws of nature and of nature’s God." It didn't come easily. America’s early history is marked by conflict with other countries threatened by republican government and among Americans themselves over the ultimate form that that government would take. But the Declaration laid the framework for a nation that would endure and grow, inspiring similar independence movements around the world.
When war first broke out between Britain and its North American colonists, few imagined, let alone supported, the creation of a new nation. Historians note that even as the fighting raged, the colonists were deeply divided over the future. Roughly a third came to believe a complete break with Britain was needed, a third remained loyal to the British crown and a third simply wanted to be left alone to raise their families and do their jobs.
The 56 men who signed the Declaration on July 4, 1776, cast the first votes for independence. Their fellow citizens ratified the choice, and with it the then-radical principle that government should be based on the consent of the governed.
While this is the event and cause we celebrate today, it isn't unique to Americans. It is embodied in the constitutions of many nations and observed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that we all recognize. In essence then, Independence Day is a celebration of our common humanity.
FILM:
Superman may be the iconic American superhero, but this Independence day it was the Transformers who won over the hearts and wallets of the nation. Raking in giant-freaking-robot-worthy amounts of cash and breaking records, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the third entry in the franchise, dominated the holiday weekend.
Not only did the $97 million banked by Dark of the Moon rocket it to the top as highest grossing film of 2011 so far, it also marked the highest ever grossing Independence Day weekend total, handily smashing previous record holder Spider-Man 2's $88 million debut in July 2004.
Of course the record comes with an asterisk of sorts. About 60% of its total gross sales poured in from 3D showings which bring with them hiked-up ticket prices. The result? Transformers: Dark of the Moon didn't necessarily experience a record number of attendees, but those who went were willing to shell out a record amount of cash.
When the the movie's mid week amounts are rolled in beginning with Tuesday night previews, its five day take is an impressive $162 million. While that overshadows the original Transformers five day opening total of $133 million, it falls far short of the over $200 million earned by the second franchise film Revenge of the Fallen. The slip is to be expected, however, given the miserable disaster that was the second film. Director Michael Bay should be happy anyone bothered to show up for a third installment at all, much less expecting the record breaking turn out.
The weekend's sci-fi onslaught overshadowed two other new releases. Tom Hanks' Larry Crowne settled in at fourth place with $13 million, right beneath last week's champs Cars 2 and Bad Teacher. The obscure Monte Carlo nabbed a distant fifth with $7.6 million.
With the 4th of July offering up a three day weekend this year, theaters are hoping to see more butts in the seats tomorrow than usual.
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