232 years ago today in Philadelphia, a bunch of very smart men signed up to declare independence from the Crown monarchy of Great Britain. While their reasons were varied, they were right to do so.
But make no mistake-- they were betraying their government. They did so openly, by signing the Declaration Of Independence, but they were nonetheless violating loyalty to the Crown.
Betrayal is a dirty, dirty word. There's nothing appealing about it. It absolutely should, to honorable people, create unease. The only time that it's acceptable is when the betrayed has incontestably already betrayed the betrayer.
Their action was brave, in that they signed it. Their action was necessary, in that they were at the wrong end of stick, with regard to supply lines, taxation, and rule-making. Their action was correct, in that it launched what is arguably the greatest nation that this world has ever seen.
They were right.
But they were risking so much, and more than just losing a war. They were risking historical judgment of their actions.
We are blessed that they are now considered heroes.