Source: Tenth Amendment Center
by Michael Boldin
“We celebrate Independence on the Fourth of July. But the actual vote to secede from the British Empire and become ‘free and independent states’ – happened on July 2nd, 1776. Twelve colonies voted in favor. None opposed. New York abstained because its delegates had not yet received new instructions. The political connection to Britain was over. The deed was done. The resolution came from Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. He stood before the Second Continental Congress with direct instructions from his state: declare independence, pursue foreign alliances, and propose a plan of confederation. That wasn’t political theater. That was constitutional authority, exercised in plain view.” (07/01/25)
https://tenthamendmentcenter.com/2025/07/01/totally-dissolved-the-forgotten-vote-for-independence/