While most Americans spent Independence Day eating hotdogs, hitting up the beach, and watching fireworks, there are many who neglect to reflect on the real reason for the holiday. On July 4th, 1776, the members of the Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia to declare the 13 colonies freedom from the British Empire, and a new nation unto themselves. (Although historians have found that the document itself was not actually signed in Independence Hall until later that year on August 2nd.)

In an attempt to remind people of those brave and momentous words of our forefathers, on Tuesday NPR tweeted out the full Declaration of Independence, in its entirety, right down to the signatures from members of congress — as you can see in the start of the thread, below.

241 years ago today, church bells rang out over Philadelphia as the Declaration of Independence was adopted https://t.co/PAcHgLqOUE — NPR (@NPR) July 4, 2017

Unfortunately though, because we basically live in Idiocracy now, the power of the words were lost on some who just assumed that the publicly funded, traditionally progressive organization was making some sort of liberal statement, as pointed out by writer Parker Malloy.

NPR tweeted out the entire Declaration of Independence, and wow… uh… the responses are… something. pic.twitter.com/KurdVurRgW — Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) July 5, 2017

This woman thought someone hacked the NPR account. She eventually figured it out, though. pic.twitter.com/JjJ990rB4g — Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) July 5, 2017

In other "replies to NPR tweets" news, a bunch of people were really upset that they posted a GIF of a dummy from a @USCPSC video. pic.twitter.com/VbAJCoNKeU — Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) July 5, 2017

And finally… who needs some safety tips when it comes to playing with explosives, anyway? pic.twitter.com/3qXAGeMFdU — Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) July 5, 2017

Yes, if you’d like a real glimpse into the downfall of America, look no further than the responses to literally the Declaration of Independence. Although many were since shamed into deleting their tweets, thankfully at least one of the outraged was able to fess up to the mistake and apologize, so all hope for humanity is not lost quite yet.

I know, I know.

So this is bad15 minutes of fame but I kinda appreciated the pile on. — D.G.Davies (@JustEsrafel) July 5, 2017

Okay, okay…I screwed up with @npr. I jumped the gun and tweeted when I should have waited for them to finish. I offer my apologies. — D.G.Davies (@JustEsrafel) July 5, 2017

Well, you guys corrected me. What better way to be schooled about this than by other Americans? I knee jerked and should have let NPR finish — D.G.Davies (@JustEsrafel) July 5, 2017

I was terribly stupid for this comment. I won't delete it though. I don't think most of us would recognize this if read.

I learned my lesson — D.G.Davies (@JustEsrafel) July 5, 2017

Thanks man. I'll take more time (like I did before Twitter) to stop and think before I run my mouth.

What better lesson to learn on today. — D.G.Davies (@JustEsrafel) July 5, 2017

…and had a stupid moment.

Never underestimate one's capacity to learn. Sometimes it's painful. But it's valuable above pride. — D.G.Davies (@JustEsrafel) July 5, 2017

I can't reply to you all. But stay tuned.

To those that want to mock me…go for it. I deserve it.

To those that forgive my "sin", thank you — D.G.Davies (@JustEsrafel) July 5, 2017

As Dustin at Pajiba points out, our president could stand to learn from the guy.