But 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. So we have been talking about the causes of revolution and Jefferson's cry that bloody insurrection must always be the course of last resort. Yet, in his next breath he takes something so radical and adds another "r" word: responsibility. Revolution should never be used for trivial causes but when the "long train of abuses and usurpations" merit it, we do not just have the option but the duty. Oh man, no one likes the word duty. This election year I am sure you remember your parents telling you it is your DUTY to vote. Duty involves obligation, being forced do something whether you want to or not. Wait, isn't that a violation of liberty? Should I not get the right to choose whether or not to overthrow my government? Is Jefferson being a hypocrite (again?) or is there more going on in this part of the Declaration of Independence? Let's dig deeper. I talked about Immanuel Kant before. The philosopher had the idea of the categorical imperative which meant that the morality of an action depended on our assessment of how we felt about it being a universal action.
In other words, I can murder if I want to live in a world where anyone can murder freely and openly. This global sense also plays into another key aspect of Kant, the universal duty to protect other people's freedom. I know, I used that word again. The idea that I am not free unless everyone is free may seem like some hippie dippie phrase but it was made famous by Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. Jefferson though is essentially saying the same thing and that is how he can justify obligations and liberty in the same breath. Our liberty is limited to the point where it inhibits others freedom. Remember this document was written for many audiences and this part may be the most international line in the Declaration. "I know America may not seem important to you France, but a threat to democracy here is a threat to democracy everywhere." Now, of course, King Louis probably did not care much about the threat to American liberty but this document is not just for the gentry but everyone. That is why it has persevered over time and that is why these words are still meaningful today. When liberty is being threatened it reaches a threshold beyond toleration. Jefferson even uses the word "evinces" which means "to reveal the presence of". In other words, these actions represent a move towards "absolute Despotism". In our heightened rhetoric we have heard terms like this: Donald Trump is a fascist, Barack Obama is ignoring the Constitution, Hillary Clinton willingly defied the law with those e-mails on her private server. Gun right lobbyists are making it clear that taking away firearms is akin to absolute despotism. I mean there is obviously a connection, it was the second amendment for a reason and the Boston Massacre had to do with citizens arming themselves. So we have a responsibility to act when freedom is being threatened not just for ourselves but anyone. This is difficult in the era of social media where apathy is high and genuine human connection is low. I mean if I cannot even talk to people while chasing pretend Pokemon, why would I care if their freedom is being infringed? Why would I even believe them because my experience matters so much. Remember, we have two ears world but only one mouth. We, as a society, need to listen more and shut up. We do not have all the answers. We have our experiences and we should not belittle others because their experiences are not ours. We should respect others. It is one small step towards the radical notion Jefferson is proposing. What are our responsibilities to the community? What happens to the community if there are none?
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