Experience the American dream with today’s Patriots of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie.
It’s July 4, 1776. I’m in Philadelphia, at Independence Hall, with the main author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson.
JG: “Mr. Jefferson, what is your primary concern about the words you have penned, ‘all men are created equal’?”
TJ: “John, it is a dangerous doctrine to advocate equality for all men. I myself keep slaves and struggle over God’s judgment over my action. My hope and desire is that someday this nation will live up to the words of our bold and unique declaration.”
While not perfect, this republic under God has lived up to its founders’ principles, providing unparalleled opportunity and freedom for all people.
Read the full text of the Declaration of Independence.
John and Jan Gillespie are the founders of the Rawhide Boys’ Ranch; they have fostered 351 teenagers and wrote the book Our 351 Sons; they have also assisted numerous churches in developing youth programs and expanding their total church ministries. After running for U.S. Senate, John founded 1776 American Dream, which exists to demonstrate the vision of our founding fathers and help our generation of youth passionately embrace those values.
