Special thanks to Robbie Richardson for the idea to use this quote. I had discounted it, then was reminded that it`s got good context. Thanks a bunch, man! Really made me think (see below).
(The full text of this letter can be found at http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/96oct/obrien/blood.htm) We will return to the lobster saga soon. Probably next update, in fact. I have to say, though, I`ve really enjoyed these past two strips. The caricatures, reading classic American literature…It`s great.
On May 4th, 1970, a group of riotous protesting students, ill-trained National Guardsmen and three days of tension resulted in bloodshed. On the grounds of Kent State University, four students lay dead and several others wounded, some of whom were reportedly not even part of the protest. This sparked nationwide strife, brought many major higher education institutions to a halt and was a keystone event leading to proper training in appropriate violence of action, among many other things.
But honestly? I remember being a student. There`s a lot of naive beliefs young people hold. There`s a lot of bravado, boldness. Many of these protesters, I`d bet, were nowhere near as well informed as they thought they were. I`d wager money on it.
And that`s exactly why they should hold the title of patriots, at least according to Thomas Jefferson.
When Thomas Jefferson wrote this letter, the Boston Tea Party was a pretty big thing. A bunch of young (and older) rabble-rousers, not really understanding the full scope of events, not really considering the repercussions of their actions, staged an open revolt against unrepresented taxation. Keep in mind, this event was the culmination of attacks on traders and warehouses — An angry populous acting out.
Thomas Jefferson said basically two things about this event in his letter: Its motives were founded in ignorance, not wickedness, and if the perpetrators had done nothing, it would herald the death of public liberty. He compares liberty to a tree which must occasionally be fertilized, “…with the blood of patriots & tyrants,” and says, “God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion.” The idea is not to rebel, but to set the rebels right, “as to facts, pardon & pacify them.”
The Tree of Liberty was watered on May 4th, 1970, with the blood of people I`m sure never intended to go out and get shot that day, and it was a tragedy. Thomas Jefferson, though, would say, “What signify a few lives lost in a century or two,” undoubtedly considering the alternative being liberty lost. It`s a sobering thought, and a scary one. If 20 years is the rough guideline, are we lethargic or just severely overdue?
I wonder all this as I sit on my couch, typing up my thoughts and sketching out future strips. Clearly I`ve taken up arms and marched on to set things right, I say sarcastically.