We return to the Declaration of Independence to consider what key words and ideas meant to its writers, and what they mean to us, including “equality,” “self-evident,” and even “men.”

Cato Institute scholar Roger Pilon, Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, scholar Cary Nathensen, and law professor Noah Rosenblum all offer sharp perceptions and challenges.

And through it all, we look closely at what the words of the Declaration of Independence say, what they mean, and how they can remain alive in our lives.