IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires... more ›

Upon meeting west suburban Congressman Henry Hyde, one can't help but be charmed by his reedy baritone voice and grandfatherly composure. He moves slowly, almost dragging himself forward, due to a painful spinal condition. The presence of Henry Hyde, makes it hard to believe that for thirty years, he has been one of the most ferocious, influential, and effective conservative Congressmen in history. But maybe it makes it easier to believe why he's retiring. [Hyde's... more ›