Originally published July 4, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified July 4, 2007 at 2:01 AM
School supplies
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...
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.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 02:37 PM
Charles Krauthammer / Syndicated columnist: Iran's leaderless revolution: searching for a Yeltsin
NEW - 02:26 PM
Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: The triumph and tragedy of Michael Jackson
NEW - 02:48 PM
Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: What does a homosexual demon look like?

Gen. David Petraeus: Iraq and Afghanistan Wars
Watch highlights of General David Petraeus discussing the Iraq and Afghanistan War at the Global Leadership Series sponsored by the World Affairs Council.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
What not to wear to work this summer
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new compact car? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Seattle-area homebuilder losing projects to foreclosure
- Health-plan costs soar for individuals
- Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved
- World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
- Driver killed, deputy and prisoner injured in head-on crash near Monroe
- House Democrats likely to alter intel bill
- Drunken man shocks Spain with his generosity
- Movie review | "Brüno" struts his stuff to hilariously expose intolerance
- Chase will no longer sponsor Lake Union fireworks
- 4 Ill. cemetery workers accused in grisly plot
- Mass. files lawsuit against federal marriage law
913 - Health-plan costs soar for individuals
523 - Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners: 07/09 game thread
243 - Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik again declines to quell Yuniesky Betancourt trade rumors
127 - World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
126 - Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved
91 - Wednesday night notes
86 - Pay parking in West Seattle?
76 - Franklin Gutierrez bails Mariners out in a 3-1 win
75 - House Dems want to expand secret briefings
63
- Seattle-area homebuilder losing projects to foreclosure
- Health-plan costs soar for individuals
- World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
- Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved
- Grab the kids and hop on Amtrak for a stress-free getaway to Portland
- During financial crisis, the business of college sports is complicated by Title IX
- Local Smith & Hawken garden stores to close
- Green River Valley plans ahead for possible flooding
- Pay parking in West Seattle?
- Jerry Large | Issues of aging affect all





