The Declaration of Independence still stands as an important example of how the tolerance of any man can be exceeded by the actions of an overbearing and intrusive government. Yet, 237 years after the signing of this document, one has to wonder what has happened to the spirit of fearlessness and rugged self-determination that set the American experiment in motion.
As a form of redress of grievances by a people to its leadership, protest is as much of a historical part of democracy as voting is. A near-last resort when the populace is bereft of political power, publicly voicing dissent in an organized, peaceful, and constructive manner is a critical and vital sign of life for a society that wishes to be free. Yet, when a ruling elite and political class become too intrusive, parasitic or too dangerous to the population, protest is often a precursor to violence, therefore the outcome of rebellion and protest is never certain and often disastrous. However, the fate of a people without the will to resist encroaching tyranny is just as foreboding.
Comment: The lethal combination of "Shall Issue" concealed gun permitting and the "Stand your Ground" laws that many states have will lead to many more unnecessary killings. The fact that anyone can get away with murder by claiming they felt threatened puts many people in danger especially, but not exclusively, young African-American men and boys whom many see as violent and threatening. The Powers that Be have inculcated fear into the public for a reason, despite the fact that violent crime has been dropping sharply in the United States. A fearful, paranoid nation is easier to control.