LAD #16: 5th of July Speech

In the 5th of July Speech, Frederick Douglass revealed resentment towards the utilization of slavery in the United States.  He claims that the White Americans are blessed with the right to rejoice on this sacred day of independence.  However, the Blacks cannot celebrate in the same manner.  He reminds Americans that there are still captives in this supposedly free and independent society-the slaves.  He then states that to ignore their cries would be treasonous and ungodly.  Douglass goes on to denounce slavery as the greatest sin in America.  There is no need for these slaves who share many of the same dignified occupations as their white oppresser and puts in just as much effort into the bettering of society that these slaves are not considered men.  It is therefore moraly corrupt to treat these men in such a poor manner, refusing to give them wages and liberties, beating them, and denying them a voice in goverment.  He states that to the American slave, the 4th of July is a reminder of the cruelty that victimizes him.  Douglass concludes by saying that there is no nation in all of the world who implements such a cruel, corrupt, and unjust system as the united states.