Resolutions – Commentary

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution “that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states,” acting under the instruction of the Virginia Convention. The Lee Resolution contained three parts: a declaration of independence, a call to form foreign alliances, and “a plan for confederation.”

On June 11, 1776, the Congress appointed three concurrent committees in response to the Lee Resolution: one to draft a declaration of independence, a second to draw up a plan “for forming foreign alliances,” and a third to “prepare and digest the form of a confederation.”

Because many members of the Congress believed the actions Lee proposed to be premature or wanted instructions from their colonies before voting, approval was deferred until July 2. On that date, Congress adopted the first part (the declaration). The words of the Lee Resolution are echoed in the Declaration of Independence.

The Lee Resolution: Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation

New York cast no vote until the newly elected New York Convention upheld the Declaration of Independence on July 9, 1776. The plan for making treaties was not approved until September of 1776; the plan of confederation was delayed until November of 1777.

From one resolution was eventually born a nation. And the purpose of a resolution is to decide what to do and then do it.

So, how about some resolutions that are a little bit easier than that one.

You can make a resolution to do something you haven’t done before: A very common one is a resolution to lose weight or lose so many pounds. I think that one is made a lot, and from the looks of many of us, it doesn’t always work out so well. America overall is overweight, so that’s a tough one.

So I’ll throw you a bone. An easy resolution which will make members of your family very happy. Resolve to put your phone away at dinner or while engaging in in-person conversation. You can still use your phone, just not when it drives everyone bonkers.

Maybe you could resolve to volunteer with a local non-profit. Serve on a local board or commission.

Maybe adopt a pet from a local shelter. Or maybe, a resolution to do some kindness you think of.

If you’re looking for self-improvement resolutions, here’s a few. Eat healthier, drink more water, exercise more, get more sleep, leave work problems at work and be present when you get home. You could spend more time with family and friends.

You could resolve to save more and get out of debt.

You could learn a new skill, get organized, read more, travel more, or give up a bad habit like smoking, vaping, or anything in that category of bad habit..

Or maybe resolve to watch tv more… well, we’ll leave that one alone, you probably already watch enough tv.

Or maybe you have some home improvement resolutions like getting to that list of projects you’ve always wanted to do. Oh, you’ve got that list hidden somewhere do you and you’re not so eager to find it. I can identify with that one.

If you want to make a change in your life, whether it’s a major one or a minor one, there’s no shortage of possible resolutions. Just remember this: If you don’t try, you have no chance of reaching your goal. So make a resolution, give it a shot, and you just might be very happy you did it.

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