[Phsstpok]

Kenneth Roberts, considered by many to be the finest novelist writing about the Revolutionary War period (see link above for examples - you'll probably recognize some), wrote an excellent book about the loyalists called Olver Wiswell. It makes a very good read and puts forward reasonable and understandable motivations, both base and noble, for why these folks took the positions they did.

The core motivation of the main character is a combination of loyalty and fear.  Their loyalty was to what was then the most free and equitable political system on the planet. The traditions of Great Britain included things such as the Magna Charta, noble things to be revered as guarantors of freedom as well as bulwarks against anarchy and mob rule.  The English form of government was arguably the best avaialble at the time and the arguments for throwing it off provided no promises that what replaced it would be better or even anywhere near as good.

You have only to study the French Revolution that happened not long afterwards to see just what it was these people had to fear. The fact that our revolution turned out as it did is a credit to the extraordinary men who saw us through that period. They were people who showed rare selflessness and discipline. We are truly blessed that we had them to lead us. Other people have not been so lucky.

I can forgive someone for being skeptical of a "great leader" claiming to be "above all that," given the ample evidence we can all point to.  All men are subject to temptation and very few have what it takes to carry through and do the right thing.  Washington's character, perhaps above all, set the moral tone for our government and the men who run it.  His rejection of a crown and insistence on serving only two terms as president have left an amazing example that has served us well.  FDRs rejection of that honorable tradition did much to tarnish the nobility of government service, particularly within his party.  It's all about them, not about us.  It explains a lot.  They are much closer to Robespiere than Washington.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who has an open mind and an interest in our history.

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

You have only to study the French Revolution that happened not long afterwards to see just what it was these people had to fear. The fact that our revolution turned out as it did is a credit to the extraordinary men who saw us through that period. They were people who showed rare selflessness and discipline. We are truly blessed that we had them to lead us. Other people have not been so lucky.

You're absolutely correct.

I remember reading somewhere about an interview with an old Russian bubba (grandmother) who was asked:

What's the best form of government?

Her reply: "good czar".

Then she was asked: What's the worst form of government?

Her reply: "bad czar".