Whatever you might say about the guy, he was hardly a coward. And we were not ruled by a foreign occupation army at that time; we were British subjects. We rebeled against our legitimate government (we were British colonials, remember?) with firearms and violence.
These Founders you want to remain un"smeared" instigated and led that action.
Who? Matthews???
Criminy, man, employing your twisted judgment neither were the 9/11 terrorists or Adolph Hitler "cowards." No sir, they were BRAVE men.
We ought to ask Bill Maher, I guess. I'm sure he would agree with you.
Bravery that deserves praise--even implied praise--requires a moral component. Without a moral component it is mere thuggery, butchery, and overweening hubris.
Of course he was a coward. This wasn't a brave man facing a duel on equal terms with his opponent. This wasn't a man interested in a fair fight. This was a cruel ambush. And for your calling Mr. Matthews a 'brave man' you have earned your place on the Nut List.