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“the quote”

Sidebar: Ben Franklin made this famous quote in 1755 around the time of the French and Indian War and, in that context, I actually disagree with Franklin. The quote is usually applied in many contexts. In the TSA context, I certainly agree with the quote. It comes down to where you draw the line.

Pre-US, the Governors of Colonies could not impose taxes on the Colonists. They had to ASK the Colonial Assemblies for money.

The Governor wanted money to deal with Indian attacks on the frontier, which was the western end of Pennsylvania in this case. People in the outskirts were being butchered by Indians at the goading of the French. These frontier areas had little protection and were inhabited by either the adventurous or, more often, the poor.

Franklin did not think this justified the breaking of the tradition of asking for money and was not, initially, willing to side with the Governor.

But the attacks continued. What ultimately changed the Assembly’s mind was when people actually started dragging butchered cadavers into the Assembly House.

Faced w/the reality of what was previously abstract in their minds, the Assembly granted the Governor his request. I.e., they drew their “line” in a manner similar to a counter-quote, “The Constitution is not a suicide pact.”

If you like to read up on the US Revolution, I strongly recommend reading up on the French and Indian War. It was, after all, the precursor to the big enchilada! The King wanted the Colonies to pay for the war, yada, yada...

Remember Pennsylvania was controlled by Quakers with a non-violent no war for any reason philosophy. Also in the early days of the colony Penn had gotten along well with the local Indians. So the average Quaker couldn't understand why others couldn't do also. (Note the Quakers weren't above cheating the Indians when it was in their interest to do so - see Walking Purchase from the Delaware/Leni Lape.)

Also there was quite a bit of Quaker prejudice against those living on the frontier, primarily the Scott-Irish. One Pennsylvania Quaker colonial official called the Scott-Irish “white savages”.