Why John Adams saw July 2 as America’s true Independence Day - The Washington Post By Valerie Strauss

 
Why John Adams saw July 2 as America’s true Independence Day

The Washington Post By Valerie Strauss 

By Valerie Strauss 

Valerie Strauss is an education writer who runs the Answer Sheet blog. She came to The Washington Post as an assistant foreign editor for Asia in 1987 and weekend foreign desk editor after working for Reuters as national security editor and a military/foreign affairs reporter on Capitol Hill. She also previously worked at UPI and the L.A. Times. follow on X@valeriestrauss

(This is a version of a post I have published previously around the Fourth of July)

July 4, of course, is Independence Day, a federal holiday celebrated to commemorate the adoption in 1776 of the Declaration of Independence, which split the 13 American colonies from England.

But John Adams, who had a lot to do with the American colonies’ break from Great Britain, didn’t think the day to commemorate was July 4. Adams, a leader of the American Revolution who became the first vice president and the second president of the United States, thought July 2 was the date that would be celebrated “as the great anniversary festival.”

Why? Because it was on July 2, 1776, that delegates at the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia officially separated the 13 American colonies from Britain by approving a motion for independence advanced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. Twelve of the 13 colonies approved it (New York abstained, as its representatives did not have permission to vote for it at that time).

The next day, on July 3, Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail with this prediction:

The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

Later that day, the Pennsylvania Evening Post published this:

“This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States.”

So why do we celebrate July 4 as Independence Day?

That’s when the actual Declaration of Independence — whose principal author was Thomas Jefferson — was adopted (although not signed) by members of the Continental Congress. Jefferson had been writing it, draft after draft. He was one of the Committee of Five the Continental Congress set up to draft a declaration, with the other four being Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman.

It wasn’t until July 8 that the city of Philadelphia, where the Declaration was signed, held a parade and the firing of guns to mark the moment. And it wasn’t until July 9 that the Continental Army — which was  under the leadership of General George Washington — got the news from Washington himself. Washington ordered soldiers — who were in New York City to defend it from the British — to gather in Lower Manhattan that evening and he read from a July 6 letter he had received from John Hancock, the president of the Continental Congress. A copy of the declaration was included. As for the British government in London, well, it didn’t know that the United States had declared independence until August.

Scholars don’t think the document was signed by any of the delegates of the Continental Congress on July 4. The huge canvas painting by John Trumbull hanging in the grand Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol depicting the signing of the Declaration is, it turns out, a work of imagination. In his biography of John Adams, historian David McCullough wrote: “No such scene, with all the delegates present, ever occurred at Philadelphia.”

It is now believed that most of the delegates signed it on Aug. 2. That’s when the assistant to the secretary of Congress, Timothy Matlack, produced a clean copy.  John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, signed first, right in the middle of the signature area. The last delegate to sign, according to the National Archives, is believed to be Thomas McKean of Delaware, some time in 1777.

As it turns out, a number of copies of the document were made at the time of adoption. According to the National Archives, there are 26 copies of what is known as “the Dunlap broadside” (21 owned by American institutions, two by British institutions, and three by individuals). These were printed on paper on the night of July 4 by printer John Dunlap from a document sent by the Continental Congress. The original was written on parchment.

In a twist of history, Adams died on July 4, 1826, the same day as Thomas Jefferson. It was the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

By Valerie Strauss

Valerie Strauss is an education writer who runs the Answer Sheet blog. She came to The Washington Post as an assistant foreign editor for Asia in 1987 and weekend foreign desk editor after working for Reuters as national security editor and a military/foreign affairs reporter on Capitol Hill. She also previously worked at UPI and the L.A. Times. follow on X@valeriestrauss

Why John Adams saw July 2 as America’s true Independence Day - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2017/07/02/why-john-adams-saw-july-2-as-americas-true-independence-day/ 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-29-25

 

Trump Administration Forces Resignation of UVA President Over DEI https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/28/trump-administration-forces-resignation-of-uva-president-over-dei/ via @dianeravitch 

The article discusses the resignation of James Ryan, the president of the University of Virginia, due to pressure from the Trump administration over his support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The administration has reinterpreted DEI as discriminatory against white men and has cut federal grants to universities that do not dismantle these programs. Legal experts see the administration's actions as an unusual use of Justice Department power to achieve political goals. The article also highlights broader resistance to the administration's stance on DEI and mentions the financial and legal challenges faced by universities in response to these federal pressures.

### Key Points

- James Ryan, UVA president, resigned due to pressure from the Trump administration over DEI support. 

- DEI is reinterpreted by Trump administration as discriminatory against white men, leading to federal grant cuts for universities. 

- Legal experts criticize the administration's use of Justice Department power to influence university leadership. 

- Broader resistance to Trump's DEI stance is evident, with universities facing financial and legal challenges. 

Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES 6-28-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and_28.html 

Roundups of educational blog posts and public education advocacy, emphasizing resistance to privatization and support for public schools.   

### Key Points  

- Florida families largely continue to choose public schools despite school choice efforts.   

- The Supreme Court faces criticism for decisions impacting the rule of law and justice accessibility.   

- Zohra Mamdani's political success highlights new public service ideas and shifts in NYC politics.   

- Trump administration's policies spark debates on democracy, education, and global affairs.   

- Advocacy for public education and resistance to privatization remain strong themes. 

Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES 6-28-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and_28.html 

The article focuses on the Supreme Court's ruling in the case of "Trump v. CASA, Inc.," which limits the judiciary's ability to issue universal injunctions, specifically in the context of President Trump's Executive Order No. 14160 targeting birthright citizenship. The ruling emphasizes historical precedent and restricts injunctions to only protect the plaintiffs involved, leaving broader constitutional questions unresolved. Dissenting justices express concerns about the implications for constitutional rights and the judiciary's role as a check on executive overreach. The article also advocates for potential reforms, such as expanding the Supreme Court, to address its selective docket and ensure broader justice.

### Key Points

- The Supreme Court ruled against universal injunctions, limiting judicial relief to plaintiffs involved in lawsuits. 

- President Trump's Executive Order No. 14160 seeks to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented or temporary residents, sparking legal challenges. 

- The Court’s decision avoided ruling on the constitutionality of birthright citizenship, leaving the issue unresolved. 

- Dissenting justices argue the decision undermines the judiciary's ability to enforce constitutional protections universally. 

- The ruling raises concerns about the judiciary's capacity to check executive overreach and suggests systemic reforms, such as expanding the Supreme Court. 

Big Education Ape: The Roberts Supreme Court and the Balkanization of America: Unraveling the American Dream? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-roberts-supreme-court-and.html 

The article discusses the increasing fragmentation of the United States due to recent Supreme Court rulings under Chief Justice John Roberts. These rulings emphasize state rights, leading to a lack of national uniformity in laws regarding issues like abortion, voting rights, and same-sex marriage. This trend, referred to as the "Balkanization" of America, results in significant legal disparities between states. The article criticizes the influence of money in state supreme courts and highlights the Court's business-friendly stance. It calls for citizen action to demand reforms for greater national cohesion.

### Key Points

- The Supreme Court's rulings under Chief Justice John Roberts are leading to a fragmented legal landscape in the U.S., emphasizing state rights over national uniformity. 

- The "Balkanization" trend is creating a patchwork of laws on issues like abortion, voting rights, and same-sex marriage, depending on the state. 

- State supreme courts are increasingly influenced by money, affecting judicial impartiality. 

- The Supreme Court's business-friendly rulings favor corporations, impacting regulatory oversight and consumer protections. 

- The article calls for citizen-driven reforms to restore national unity and fairness in the legal system. 

Who Counts as an American Baby Now? https://open.substack.com/pub/brucelesley/p/who-counts-as-an-american-baby-now?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

### Summary  

The Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. CASA has created significant uncertainty and potential harm regarding birthright citizenship in the United States. By limiting nationwide injunctions, the ruling leaves many newborns' citizenship status dependent on arbitrary factors such as geography, access to legal representation, and procedural happenstance. This decision risks creating a "shadow generation" of stateless children, undermining their constitutional rights and access to essential public services. The article emphasizes the moral and legal urgency of protecting birthright citizenship and calls for immediate action to address the chaos caused by this ruling.

### Key Points  

- The Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA struck down nationwide injunctions, leaving the question of birthright citizenship dependent on arbitrary factors.   

- The ruling undermines the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections and creates chaos and uncertainty for newborns.   

- States may face financial and administrative turmoil determining which newborns qualify for public benefits.   

- The Trump Administration’s executive order on birthright citizenship has been deemed unconstitutional by lower courts, yet the Supreme Court allows its enforcement.   

- Babies born after February 19, 2025, face uncertain citizenship status unless protected by class action lawsuits or individual legal actions.   

- Justice Sotomayor and others dissented, warning that the decision strips courts of the ability to protect fundamental constitutional rights.   

- The decision risks creating a "shadow population" of stateless children who lack access to basic public services.   

- Errors in citizenship determinations could disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, including the poor and uneducated.   

- Justice Kavanaugh argued the ruling brings order to litigation but acknowledged delays in resolving citizenship disputes could harm newborns.   

- The ruling prioritizes administrative concerns over the constitutional rights of babies and leaves newborns dependent on procedural happenstance.   

- The Constitution’s Citizenship Clause guarantees birthright citizenship, and the article calls for immediate legal and political action to reaffirm this right.   

- The article criticizes the Supreme Court for failing to protect newborns and argues that citizenship should not depend on legal or bureaucratic hurdles. 

Beware of AI (Matteo Wong) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/06/28/beware-of-ai-matteo-wong/ 

### Key Points

- The article discusses the rise of generative AI tools, highlighting their brilliance in solving problems and simplifying tasks but also their unreliability, such as providing false information, exhibiting biases, and being prone to cyberattacks. 

- Generative AI products are described as both powerful and useful, yet fundamentally unreliable, making users dependent on technology that cannot guarantee accuracy. 

- The flaws in AI systems, such as inaccuracies and failures, are not just bugs but inherent features of their design. 

- The article warns against over-reliance on AI, emphasizing the need for skepticism and critical thinking when interacting with such technologies. 

glen brown: In the News https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/in-news.html 

This article covers a wide range of topics, including political commentary, social justice issues, and cultural reflections, with a focus on the author's critical perspective on current events and societal challenges.

### Key Points

- The role of writers in resisting oppression and freeing themselves from societal doctrines, theories, and politics. 

- Criticism of the Supreme Court's rulings favoring the Trump administration, undermining the rule of law, and supporting religious objections to gay marriage. 

- Allegations of authoritarian tendencies in Trump's actions, including attacks on the press and redefining patriotism as loyalty to him. 

- Concerns about Republican plans to cut Medicaid and Medicare to fund tax benefits for billionaires, risking electoral backlash. 

- Gavin Newsom's lawsuit against Fox News for defamation, positioning him as a Democratic leader for future elections. 

- The Social Security Administration's service degradation due to staff cuts, with fears of privatization driven by Republican policies. 

- The "Spiral of Silence" phenomenon, where aggressive political rhetoric silences public discourse, enabling authoritarianism. 

- Various societal issues, including corporate greed, environmental concerns, and systemic injustices, as highlighted in blog posts and reflections. 

Florida’s “School Choice” Boom? Most Families Still Choose Public Schools – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/floridas-school-choice-boom-most-families-still-choose-public-schools/ 

Florida's school choice landscape is often portrayed as a revolution, but the reality shows that most families still prefer traditional public schools or public school choice options like magnet programs, IB, and AICE. While some celebrate the rise of alternatives like charter schools and vouchers, data reveals that public schools remain the most popular choice for Florida families.

### Key Points

- Despite claims of a "school choice boom," 49% of Florida’s K-12 students still attend their zoned public schools, making them the most popular option. 

- Public school choice, including magnet programs, IB, AICE, and open enrollment, accounts for 40% of the 51% of students exercising "choice." 

- Voucher programs and charter schools represent smaller portions of the choice landscape, with 22% of students each participating in these options. 

- The narrative of a school choice revolution often ignores that the majority of families still choose public education options. 

- Claims of dramatic shifts in enrollment may be influenced by data adjustments, such as removing duplicate counts. 

Schools Matter: Media Fact-Checks Liar-in-Chief on Spending Bill http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/06/media-fact-checks-liar-in-chief-on.html 

Schools Matter article critiques former President Trump’s misleading statements about a proposed spending bill. The piece highlights inaccuracies in his claims regarding Medicaid, Social Security taxes, and potential tax increases, pointing out significant discrepancies between his statements and the bill's actual provisions. The article frames Trump as a “pathological liar” and criticizes his policies as favoring wealth redistribution from the poor to the rich. It also references broader political and educational issues discussed on the blog.

### Key Points

- The article fact-checks Trump’s false claims about Medicaid cuts, Social Security tax changes, and exaggerated tax increase predictions. 

- Trump’s plan is criticized as a wealth redistribution mechanism benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the poor. 

- The blog includes a variety of content on political, educational, and social issues, such as public school reforms, corporate influence, and poverty’s role in education. 

Born In East LA: American Citizens Caught in ICE’s Dragnet Trump’s War on Immigration shifted from criminals to families and minors when quotas weren’t met. Is the focus on race instead of status? https://changethelausd.medium.com/born-in-east-la-american-citizens-caught-in-ices-dragnet-07087a97c420 

"Born in East LA: American Citizens Caught in ICE’s Dragnet" explores the troubling reality of American citizens being mistakenly detained or deported by ICE due to profiling, lack of due process, and systemic failures. Highlighting specific cases, the article critiques the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which shifted focus from dangerous criminals to families and minors, often violating constitutional rights while failing to meet their stated goals.

### Key Points

- ICE’s flawed practices have led to the wrongful detention and deportation of American citizens, with over 600 cases between 2015 and 2020. 

- Profiling and lack of due process, such as asking for the name of a birth hospital, often result in false arrests. 

- Victims of ICE errors include citizens like Brian Gavidia, Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, and Andrea Velez, who faced rights violations and unjust treatment. 

- Despite its aggressive tactics, ICE has failed to prioritize or apprehend the most dangerous criminals, showcasing systemic inefficiency. 

Yes. Unconstitutional EdChoice Vouchers STILL have a Race Problem, by @StephenODyer https://open.substack.com/pub/10thperiod/p/yes-unconstitutional-edchoice-vouchers?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

### Key Points

- The EdChoice voucher program in Ohio was ruled unconstitutional, though the decision did not directly address the racial segregation it contributes to. 

- Data analysis shows significant racial disparities in the program, with White students disproportionately benefiting from vouchers compared to minority students. 

- In districts like Winton Woods and Beachwood, the percentage of White voucher students taking tests is vastly higher than the percentage of White students in the general district population. 

- Only a small fraction of voucher tests in Ohio were taken in districts where minority voucher students outnumbered White voucher students. 

- The program appears to subsidize less diverse private schools with public funds, raising concerns about its impact on racial equity in education. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!

6-28-25 

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_01265458194.html

The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in education, politics, and societal issues, highlighting challenges like public school funding, political interference, and inequities in education policies. It also discusses broader societal themes such as judicial reform, vaccine skepticism, and the importance of play in child development.

### Key Points  

- Dr. Jeremy Faust critiques RFK Jr.'s vaccine committee for promoting misinformation, removing CDC scientists, and discouraging thimerosal-containing vaccines, undermining public health.   

- Diane Francis criticizes Trump's inconsistent stance on the Ukraine war, aligning with Russian propaganda and downplaying Ukraine's struggles.   

- The Senate Parliamentarian blocked the GOP's private school voucher provision and tax credit plans, citing violations of the Byrd Rule, which restricts unrelated fiscal issues in reconciliation bills.   

- A federal judge blocked Trump's executive order to strip union rights from federal employees, citing First Amendment concerns and retaliation against unions.   

- Stephen Dyer highlights the financial and constitutional failures of Ohio's school voucher program, recently ruled unconstitutional for undermining public education.   

- The Roberts Supreme Court's rulings have led to legal fragmentation, prioritizing state rights and corporate interests over national protections for civil rights and consumer protections.   

- The Supreme Court restricted universal injunctions in *Trump v. CASA, Inc.*, raising concerns about judicial limitations in protecting constitutional rights.   

- Poorly implemented bureaucracy and technology create barriers to essential services for children, while Express Lane Enrollment (ELE) offers a solution to streamline access.   

- Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate Parliamentarian, has blocked extreme MAGA policy proposals, adhering to the Byrd Rule and upholding legislative fairness.   

- Teacher autonomy has been eroded by accountability reforms and scripted curricula, with experts advocating for teacher-driven reforms in education.   

- Play is essential for child development but is often suppressed in modern schools, leading to negative consequences for children’s well-being.   

- The California State Board of Education's upcoming meeting will address accountability systems, charter school funding, and special education programs.   

- Bellevue School District is under state oversight due to financial shortfalls caused by levy caps, highlighting broader funding inequities in public education.   

- MLK Labor's investment in *The Stranger* newspaper raises concerns about journalistic independence and political influence.   

- Community advocacy successfully opposed Florida's GOP proposal to cut AP and IB program funding, showcasing the power of collective action.   

- The article emphasizes grassroots organizing, bold ideas, and systemic reforms to address public education challenges and societal inequities.