Get the Ricochet app
Ricochet will work fine in a browser on your mobile devices, but for the best experience please download our app.
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. --Thomas Jefferson Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. --Thomas Jefferson
Among history buffs, Jefferson’s reputation for being the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and contributing to the Constitution is well known. But his comments about revolution and rebellion have been, on reflection, puzzling.
He did support a “little rebellion” from time to time, although he believed that the rebellions must be legal. But his observation about the emergence of tyranny is correct.
I selected these quotations as a way to reflect on the current conditions in the United States. I wonder how Jefferson would view the violence, pro-Palestinian campus protests, shootings in Chicago and the blocking of highways as a means to protest? Would he understand these incidents as a means to preserve liberty? If we become complacent with our lives, do we need these incidents to refresh our views and stimulate engagement? Otherwise, are we likely to take our liberty for granted and not work to reinforce it? Is that why we’ve arrived at this difficult time?
Regarding the emergence of tyranny, we only need to look at the current administration. In spite of the protections embedded in our important documents, haven’t they been “perverted into tyranny?” Has the current situation arisen because of our lack of vigilance for our freedoms, or because power eventually leads to tyranny? Could we have avoided our descent into lawlessness and mediocrity by being more assertive? Was our state of affairs inevitable?
Discussion (41)
To read this bio, please join Ricochet.
Re people blocking the road, I bet people back then wouldn't have tolerated it. The few hired police wouldn't have stopped the people opening the road back up.
Re tyranny uses, the predicted it. They had a solution when 1/3 of the country was willing to do something, 1/3 was opposed to doing something, and 1/3 was just leave me alone, I have work to do and families to raise..
We are softer. Are we a majority like the latter, or a majority like the second example? I doubt if we have the fortitude of the founders. 2020 and 2022 showed me not even a majority will fight for peaceful fixes.
To read this bio, please join Ricochet.
My high school American History teacher used to ask us if we agreed with Jefferson that "A little rebellion now and then was relished by the best of men".
Most of the physical rebellion and protest has been carried out by those who would tie us to tyranny. Those who have protested such issues as abortion, the sacrament of the woke, are quickly dispersed and/or jailed.
A large part of what makes Trump so hated in some political circles is that he upsets the applecart of the tyrannical establishment. He has attempted to bring the rebellion through legal means and has been opposed through lawfare and other tools of tyranny. If someone else who spoke as smoothly and kindly as could be were to bring in the same rebellion, he would be just as hated by the powers that be.
A friend of mine once observed that pioneering leaders tend to be rough around the edges and their personalities and accomplishments are two sides of the same coin. One who has the grit to bring it to a tyrant is often a bit gritty in the sight of others as well.
I hope that there is sufficient support of legal rebellion to turn things around.
(Not to make this all about Trump. He is the example that comes quickly to mind. )
To read this bio, please join Ricochet.
I fully agree, RH. We are softer. We are reluctant to fight for what is truly ours.
To read this bio, please join Ricochet.
And an excellent example, too! We all need to be tougher, grittier, if we are going to be successful. Thanks, JoelB.
To read this bio, please join Ricochet.
So true.VDH writer about the tragic hero, the tough guy needed at the time but who isn't accepted after the job is done. Examples would be the "Magnificent 7” characters, the sheriff in High Noon, and especially Shane.
You're seeing five of 41 comments. Sign in, or join for just $5 per month, to read them all and add your own.