On this day 246 years ago, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Fighting continued for five more years, and eventually a treaty was signed to officially recognize the independence of the United States of America. Many folks barbecue and shoot off fireworks today because our nation was born 246 years ago. While I do want to honor the sacrifices of the Americans who, for the past 246 years, have died on battlefields, believing in the good of the nation that they fight for, the 246th birthday of America doesn't make me feel like celebrating. Those who have fought for the United States and those who have died defending the independence and democracy of this country have stories that should be told and lives that should be remembered. I affirm that, and I also grieve that the independence that they defend is not equally distributed. I cannot think of that document, the Declaration of Independence, without the sobering reminder that the same document that boa...