I suspect that I am not the only one amongst you who spends at least a few minutes thinking about the Declaration of Independence over each 4th of July holiday. I heard a great reading of the Declaration on NPR last Friday morning. A piece in the New York Times also discussed how much the word smithing contributed to the final version that we have come to know and love. But in retrospect it is hard not to appreciate what they did. For a document that is now 234 years, it still rings out strong and clear.
Even when you read through some of the more arcane language (referring exclusively to men) and some downright outdated and outrageous sections (i.e. references to "merciless Indian savages"), it is articulated in a way that makes you curious to know more about the circumstances so long ago. It intrigues me to know, for example, that while the men were busily crossing out words and rewriting, the British Navy was gathering offshore.
Each year something new pops out at me about the wording of the Declaration, even though I've heard it a hundred times before. This year the phrase "consent of the governed" really resonated for me. The bigger context is:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
This particular phrase has special meaning for me. I have been reading all the commentary on all of the initiatives that will be on the ballot this fall. There has been a lot of criticism of the initiative process. There is no question there are a lot of initiatives, ten statewide alone. If you live anywhere where there is a local government and electorate likely to add to that number, there might be more than that. I have rolled my eyes with the best of them, when I get my overly long ballot and plunge in to try and understand all the complex issues before me.
Are we word smithing while the British Navy lurks offshore? We do not have the hind sight of 23 decades to assess our actions. Everyone who comments on the state of California right now points to our state of chaos from the economy to our elected leaders' inability to act. These comments are beginning to sound very weary. In fact, a headline I read this morning highlighted how the voters already are tired of the November election. I do not think that our founding fathers were pure statesmen by any means. They were flawed human beings in a terrible situation. But they lead. And aren't we grateful for it?
I think a lot has changed since then but one thing hasn't, representative democracy is still the best in show. It is the only hope that any of us has to fight for what we think is right amongst our fellow citizens.
So it is with great fanfare that I announce that the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 has a proposition number… drum roll please… 21! May that be state parks lucky number!
As CSPF's President Elizabeth Goldstein mentions, the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 is now Prop. 21! A lucky number!! On November 2 California voters will have the opportunity to approve Prop. 21—the only solution that will provide the stable and adequate funding needed to protect the legacy of state parks for future generations. To find out more discover what you can do to help, visit Prop. 21’s website.
Baldwin Hills Festival a Success!
Hundreds of people kicked off the summer in a colorful and music-filled fashion at the first annual Baldwin Hills Festival June 5 at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (BHSO)! The multi-cultural event in Culver City included dancers from the Danza Azteca Xochipilli and a ceremonial blessing, the Lan Santtha Dance Group, musicians from the Sejong Korean Music Company, Chikara Daiko drummers, and the Center for World Strings and Harmony Project–a String Ensemble accompanied by students from the World Stage.
Festival attendees participated in a giant puppet parade on the hiking trail to the Overlook, with an oversized hawk made of straw and paper-mache bees and poppy flowers—an educational blend of art and nature.
California State Parks partnered with the Los Angeles Audubon Society and Triumvirate Pi Theatre to present the festival. The event also honored the graduates of the Audubon Society’s Greenhouse Program, all students from Dorsey High School, who had completed scientific research and habitat restoration at BHSO. CSPF’s board member Carolyn DeVinny manned a booth at the information center in the Pavilion, alongside the Baldwin Hills Conservancy, the National Park Service, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Culver City Parks, Los Angeles County Parks, the Ballona Creek Renaissance, and the Los Angeles Audubon Society.
Photo: Kristen Perry, California State Parks
June CSPF Photo Contest Winner
Congratulations to Rob Dweck for his beautiful image of Mt. Tamalpais State Park on an overcast day (click here to see a larger version of his photograph). And, remember, anyone can join the contest—it is free, fun, and a great way to share your love of our state parks!
Angel Island Immigration Station Centennial Celebration
Come out to Angel Island State Park on Saturday July 31 to enjoy the centennial celebration of the U.S. Immigration Station on Angel Island. From 11am to 4pm there will be speakers (including descendants of Angel Island immigrants) and a dedication ceremony. Free tours will be followed by a variety of demonstrations, performances, and much more! To find out about this event visit the website of the Angel Island Immigrations Station Foundation.
Golden Twilight Dinner at Lake Tahoe's Pine Lodge
On Sunday, July 18, join fellow park enthusiasts for an elegant evening at Lake Tahoe’s Pine Lodge to benefit Truckee-Tahoe area state Parks! The evening will include “stepping back in time” to the 1920s and 30s with wine and hors d'oeurves, music and historic cars. To find out more about this exciting event and to register, visit their website.
