John Nichols: What began in 1776 is not finished Read more: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/column/john_nichols/article_c4bc016c-3588-537c-82

JOHN NICHOLS | Posted: Sunday, July 3, 2011 5:30 am

It was 235 years ago this summer that patriots gathered in Philadelphia to plot revolution not just against a British king but against an old order that would allow a tyrant to impose his will via all branches of government.

The American Revolution of 1776 was best explained by Thomas Jefferson in his last letter on the subject.