"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances (1st Amendment of the US Constitution)." The opening to the Constitution starts with the fear of religion influencing the rule of the nation. But, is fear of religion the single most important reason for keeping a country intact? The Declaration of Independence, by contrast, took a stand against the corruptive rule of Great Britain. So, why didn't the Constitution follow that inspiration? Is this why corruption has had its way of influencing our elections, our business transactions, and our revered leaders? The consequences were endless, and will continue to be endless. .
Look at the contemporary world. The Lehman Brothers, Watergate, Bernie Madoff are just a few of the most notable corruption cases in recent US history. The list continues to local politicians like former Mayor of Detroit Kwame Kilpatrick and to national politicians like former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Unfortunately, it doesn't just stop with politics; business scandals are being brought to light every time the news is turned on. Indeed, corruption seems to stand behind almost every business deal made. Lobbying is a multi-billion dollar industry with campaigns starting four years before an election along with TV ads that are played every half hour. In 2006, Jack Abramoff, former lobbyist and businessman, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for mail fraud and conspiracy to bribe public officials. Along with him, 21 other people were found guilty of conspiracy. .
The Declaration of Independence was a statement set by congress to establish 13 United States. It wasn't an attack on Great Britain, but it did inform King Henry that his tyrant government would not stand in the colonies any longer.
