The path to liberty

Happy Fourth of July. School is finally out after all those make-up days for winter storms. The timing is perfect for the favor we have to ask.

In the spirit of Thomas Jefferson's liberating Declaration of Independence, please help us raise money for school supplies for needy children.

School doors are barely closed, but the expenses of another school year are only weeks away for many anxious families.

We embrace Jefferson's phrase about inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as a guide for our fundraising for school supplies.

Students need the tools of learning to make the most of their education. Prepared and empowered, they can make the most of the opportunities in a free and open nation. Sounds so grand, but the connection is basic.

Jefferson chose his words carefully. He knew his audience was grounded in an English political philosophy of government promoting life, liberty and the pursuit of property.

He moved a budding nation in a new direction, away from landed gentry toward opportunity for all. Jefferson the scholar embraced the Greek origin of the word happiness, which meant a human flourishing based on learning and working toward the perfection of justice.

In "Notes on Virginia," Jefferson wrote:

"Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation and freedom in all just pursuits."

For Jefferson, happiness equaled occupation and the personal fulfillment that came with education. Learning was key, and always less expensive than the consequences of an unschooled nation.

Pens, pencils and notebooks are the pragmatic response to Jefferson's wisdom and vision.

We will ask for contributions weekly through Labor Day, highlighting other school-supply drives around Puget Sound.

Contributions to our campaign will be divided among three excellent agencies: Hopelink, the YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County and, new this year, the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness.

Jefferson even provided the perfect "thank you":

"The reward of esteem and gratitude (is) due those who devote their time and efforts to render the youths of every successive age fit governors for the next."

Readers are invited to send a donation to: The School Supply Drive of The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy, P.O. Box C-11025, Seattle, WA 98111. For donations via credit card, e-mail pdelaney@seattletimes.com for details.