A desire to celebrate America’s 250th birthday brought two former history majors to Newberry Library for a live reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday. Though nearly 40 years apart, the two women expressed a common goal to be optimistic amid the country’s shortcomings. “We’re a beacon for the world — hopefully — still,” said Ellyn Robinson, 61, of the Gold Coast. "There's some things that have changed in the last couple years, but I am hopeful. I am hopeful. We've had this great