This condensed version of The Declaration of Independence now appears in The Berkshire Eagle

When in the course of human events there comes a circumstance so fundamentally anathema to the precepts upon which this nation rests as to render them without purpose or place. When neither the passage of days nor the length and breadth of our conversation can relieve a malady that infects our very soul. It is then we have a duty to express our grievances, take redress from that which is our disease and declare us free of the blemish and stain which prevails in this darkest moment.

We have borne witness to the usurpations in myriad forms. Advice and consent no longer with meaning. The separation of powers neutered. Voices of opposition quieted by fear of unholy repercussion. Hatred and bias the coin of the realm. Our alliances with other nations considered with disdain and contempt, to be discarded without care of consequence. Contemplating conquest and annexation of foreign lands. Strangers to government granted access without limit to what well should have protection from their gaze. Rules of law and constitutional order abandoned summarily, chaos and confusion in their stead. Favor given to those with bended knee, to the rest threat without justification. Compensation withheld, employment undone as by whim. Tariffs imposed whose weight falls heavy on the many without good purpose or principle. Incendiary in language and deed. Promoting the unknowing and uncaring to stations for which they sorely lack understanding and temperament. Diminishment and deprivation, punishment for those merely seeking safe harbor. Bearing no relationship with the truth and close kinship with falsity. All this and more he has undertaken without hint of regret or remorse.

We can tolerate these aggressions and infidelities no further. We thus hereby Declare Our Independence from the tyranny that has befallen us. We will no more abide by its dictates, no longer recognize its authority over us. From this moment forward we are free of its oppressions, free to follow the course of our own destiny on terms just and moral, with clear mind and willing heart.

We are grateful for the strength to repair what may appear irreparably broken but is not. For our democracy is stronger than one man's transgressions, no matter how deep the sickness may appear in the moment. The sun will soon shine again and the terror will recede until it is but faded memory. God bless this nation and may all within its borders find prosperity of mind and heart as tomorrow beckons.