This page is dedicated to the spirit of unity exemplified in the signing of the Declaration of Independence; and to recapturing that spirit of unity again by bringing down the current political establishment. July 2nd, 1776, was the day a courageous group of men made the decision to break from England and declare independence. This decision was unanimous (except for New York, who elected to remain
silent and not vote). The fact that the decision was unanimous was critically important for the success of such a monumental and potentially dangerous decision. Any appearance of disunity amongst the colonies could have led to disaster. The people, in order to accomplish so great a cause, needed to be completely unified. This unity was made possible because of the patriotism and humility of two, mostly forgotten, heroes of the revolution. Robert Morris and John Dickinson were Pensylvannia delegates that opposed American independence. Pennsylvania had 7 delegates total that would be able to cast their vote on July 2nd. By July 1st, it was clear that 4 of the delegates would vote no to independence. This would have left one state in opposition and destroyed the hopes for unanimity and endangering the cause. Although they felt strongly about the proposition of independence being too brazen and dangerous an undertaking; on July 2nd, Robert Morris and John Dickinson were absent. The remaining Pennsylvania delegates voted 3-2 in favor of independence. Robert Morris and John Dickinson knew the importance of having a unified effort. Not only did they set aside any temptation for grandstanding; once the vote for independence passed, and the declaration signed, they went to work immediately to fight for the cause. Author David McCullough wrote, "
