Any American who loves liberty and cherishes our democracy who has been watching Ken Burns’ acclaimed documentary “The Amercian Revolution” can’t miss the parallels between what was happening between the 1760’s and 1776 in the British colonies ruled by King George III.
This is from the Roger Ebert.com review by Brian Tallerico:
It’s also impossible to avoid the fact that “The American Revolution” comes in the shadow of No Kings protests, which give it a different flavor than it might have had a decade ago. An early discussion of how having a standing army in Boston influenced the revolution by inspiring the locals against the perceived act of aggression echoes conversations being held in and around Chicago about the National Guard and ICE walking down the Magnificent Mile. Of course, Burns and company didn’t make “The American Revolution” as a commentary on 2025 in the Windy City. Still, it’s a healthy reminder of how history repeats itself, connecting modern issues to those who forged this country. In many ways, we’re still trying to figure out how to unify a divided country.
I’ve watched only the first two episodes which cover the 10 or so years prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Something that struck me was how the historians featured emphasized that not only was the conflict between the colonists and the British but it was a civil war pitting neighbors against neighbors.
Like today, towns and cities were occupied by armed forces loyal to someone that was trying to control them and take away their freedom in various ways.
One could also draw the comparison between the British taxing and Trump’s tariffs leading to the increase in the cost of goods.
We all know about the heroism of the patriots, but what the documentary shows is just how incredibly heroic, men, women and children in their early teens actually were. It also reminds us how brilliant the patriots were.
Everyone is familiar with the Declaration of Independence, but unless you were a history major while you probably know the name Thomas Payne and perhaps that he was the author of “Common Sense,” you may not know the impact this had. (Read Wikipedia article)
It was the seminal document that led to the majority of colonists realizing that there was no returning to the old ways and that they had to fight for independence. Here’s a summary from Project Guttenberg where you can read the entire text:
“Common Sense” by Thomas Paine is a historical pamphlet written in the late 18th century. This influential work calls for the independence of the American colonies from British rule and discusses the nature of government and monarchy. Paine articulates arguments that emphasize the rights of individuals and the unjust nature of hereditary rule, setting the stage for a broader discussion about governance, liberty, and the responsibilities of citizens. At the start of the pamphlet, Paine establishes the premise that government is a necessary evil, arising from the flaws of humanity. He contrasts government with society, portraying society as a product of collective human needs, while depicting government as a mechanism to restrain self-interest and prevent chaos. Through a series of concise arguments, he critiques the English Constitution and hereditary monarchy, positing that America’s struggle is not only a concern of the colonies but a pivotal issue for all humanity. He further reflects on the present state of American affairs, urging the need for immediate action toward independence, as reconciliation with Britain seems not only impractical but unjust.
There is some irony, rather disgusting irony, that the phrase “common sense” is one that Trump has often used to show that he has it and those who oppose him don’t. Read this:
Excerpt:
The idea of “common sense” has been central to American politics since the founding of the United States. Politicians still use the phrase all the time — and perhaps none more so than President Trump.
Just this month at a Cabinet meeting, he used the phrase when he again recommended that pregnant women not take Tylenol.
“There’s something going on, and we have to address it. And so, I’m addressing it the best I can as a nondoctor, but I’m a man of common sense,” he said.
He also used the term when he cast doubt on the monthly jobs report on CNBC in August: “It’s totally rigged. Smart people know it. People with common sense know it.”
As we watched the first two episodes yesterday I said to my partner “how can any member of Congress who supports Trump watch this and live with themselves?”
How indeed?
.
.
