The producer Norman Lear stopped by the other day, toting an original copy of the Declaration of Independence he bought a few years ago for $8 million. Right after the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776, dozens of copies were printed and distributed to various political bodies and leaders, and to commanders of the Continental troops. Lear’s is one of 25 copies known to still exist. It’s a magnificent thing to see.
It’s a reminder, too, of the intense pride Americans of every political stripe take in their enduring democracy. When campaigns turn bitter, the Declaration is a wonderful reminder that we have this indelible bond, this love of our nation and the liberty it guarantees.
This copy of the Declaration is traveling the country to whip up interest in Declare Yourself, a non-partisan campaign to encourage young people to register to vote. Barely half of U.S. adults over age 18 actually voted in the 2000 presidential election.
So, are you registered?
The deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 5. You can register at just about any local library or municipal hall. Registration forms can be found at the Web sites for the Chicago Board of Elections, county election boards and the State Board of Elections, and at Declareyourself.com. Chicago’s City Hall will be open until midnight on Oct. 5 to accept registrations.
There’s an election coming. Be heard.
