After reading Frederick Douglass’ speech I believe he is arguing about the declaration of independence.  He is arguing about this because he thinks the declaration of independence does not have any meaning to people of color. If you are color of white , independence means more to you as a color of black. This tells that declaration of independence is more of meant for white color of skin. Douglass wants people to fight for equality and fight against oppression in order to bring changes. 

Quote: “Oppression makes a wise man mad. Your fathers were wise men, and if they did not go mad, they became restive under this treatment. They felt themselves the victims of grievous wrongs, wholly incurable in their colonial capacity. With brave men there is always a remedy for oppression. Just here, the idea of a total separation of the colonies from the crown was born! It was a startling idea, much more so, than we, at this distance of time, regard it. The timid and the prudent (as has been intimated) of that day, were, of course, shocked and alarmed by it”

Paraphrase: Dealing with oppression would make anyone mad. Our parents were wise men because they did not tolerate oppression. If they didn’t fight back they most likely got lost under having to be treated the same way every time. Being wise there is always chance to bring changes and fight oppression.The idea of separation between color of people started long time ago by colonies and staying quiet about it and distancing was a mistake and we regrading it now 

Response: I find this quote important because Douglass wants to motivate people to fight against oppression by his writing. He talks about how oppression will always make a wise man mad. He is trying to get people to fight for their freedom by giving examples of their elderly. He also talks about how their parents regretted or not fighting back and let the idea of separation sitted. Douglass wants people to bring changes.