Punctuation problem.

• Position: NATIONAL - Declaration of Independence - Brief article

According to Professor Danielle Allen, the period leads to a misreading of the Declaration

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed ...

With the period, readers are left with the impression that "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is unconnected to government's responsibility in securing those rights.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that...