[maica]

I have just read a pamphlet written in 1976 about 1776, which gives great food for thought. John Adams wrote to Jefferson, years after the Declaration of Independence: “The revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected... before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington.” “The Revolution ... began as early as the first plantation in this country.”

And Benjamin Rush said in 1787: “the American war is over, but this is far from being the case with the American revolution. On the contrary, nothing but the first act of the great drama is closed.”

We are still part of this American revolution, and must realize that our view of ourselves as free people is the key. We must take back power from the oligarchs in DC - who are much more oppressive in our daily lives than George III and the Lords in England ever were in their time.

[Diogenesis]

"There is scarce a king in a hundred who would not,
if he could, follow the example of Pharaoh
- get first all the people's money,
then their lands,
and then make them and their children servants forever.

It will be said that we do not propose to establish kings.
I know it. But there is a natural inclination in mankind
to kingly government. ....

I am apprehensive - therefore - perhaps too apprehensive -
that the government of these States may in future times
end in a monarchy [not called a monarchy
but an executive with monarchial powers].

But this catastrophe, I think, may long be delayed,
if in our proposed system we do not sow the seeds
of contention, faction and tumult, by making
our posts of honor places of profit.
If we do, I fear that, though we employ at first a number
and not a single person, the number will in time
be set aside, it will only nourish the fetus of a king
... and a king will the sooner be set over us."

-- Benjamin Franklin

[Alas Babylon!]

Very well said!

Everyone should ponder your words.

[Phsstpok]

From the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence:

when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.