We all know that the Fourth of July is a celebration of our fundamental rights as Americans, right? Well, yes and no. Approval of the Declaration of Independence is the underlying reason for designating the fourth day of July as Independence Day. As important as the Declaration is, however, it doesn’t guarantee any rights to Americans. It would take another decade for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution to truly secure our liberties and fundamental freedoms. (If you’re looking for another reason to celebrate, Constitution Day is every Sept.17.)
 
Sure, the Declaration contains great and admirable lofty ...