On the issue of unionization, I’m most entertained by Chris Christie’s characterization of the teachers’ union in N.J.  — “It’s like the Hotel California…you can check out but you can never leave.” (Speaking on the fact that you can opt-out, but you have to pay to do so.)  Wasn’t that the modus operandi of the Chicago mafia — buy our insurance or we’ll break your legs.

I would love to read the others you’ve got.  This would make an interesting chapter in a book.

arabella,

Since the discussion of late (mostly between oowawa and me) has been centered on religion and its impetus in our history, the subject of other motives has not come up.  But your example raises an important point.  The main spark for the American Revolution was provided by a series of British’ parlimentary acts that drew into sharp contrast some colonists’ dissonance over republican rule and the King’s imposition of corporate interests.  The Boston Tea Party wasn’t about religion, nor was the Molasses Act.  But the Stamp Act was about freedom of the press as well as unfair taxation to shore up the Motherland’s failing enterprises in the West Indies.  But behind these historical events were the percolating thoughts of what is behind it all.  Why are we here and why now?  The Enlightenment, or Great Awakening had reached the level of popular culture about 1730′s, 1740′s.   You’re right, it didn’t take hold in the entire colonial population; roughly 1/3rd were loyalists and 1/3rd were ambivalent – being too busy with work-a-day worries.  When the ambivalent had an opinion, it was usually tied to whichever army happened to be quartered in town or nearby countryside and had the upper hand. 

But the Puritan population of New England cannot be ignored.  And the part their cultural trajection played in republicanism is well-documented (truly not my own personal interpretation of history). 

Yes, we did have French support in the American Revolution but it was long seen as a big gamble on their part.  Their eventual support, in part, was given because of their shared vision of the Enlightenment.  But the Americans did not pay France, as King George paid (and conscripted) the Hessians into service on behalf of the Crown.  The War for Independence became, for the French, seeking the same benefits, an example that it could be done.  The independence sought included the right of free indivduals to make their own choices, including of course how to practice their religion.  And that is what the conversation has been about — recognizing the roots of republicanism.  It was not centered completely on the right to govern our corporate business affairs, but unalienable rights and under what authority have we to cite for those rights.