Boston, the American Revolution, and the Current Election

I recently visited Boston for a training conference and took an hour to visit the Old State House building downtown, which was the colonial capital building for the colony of Massachusetts and the seat of the first legislature after independence. When we had been here on vacation to walk the Liberty Trail we got to the statehouse just as it was closing, so this let me complete that part of the Trail. I have often pondered the American Revolution and wondered whether I could have supported that war. Going to war over taxation (Taxation with Representation!) always struck me as not a very good reason to go to war; war is a very extreme remedy for high and unfair taxes. However, in  going through the Old Statehouse museum there were some quotes from colonists about how 'it isn't the taxes so much as the taxability' that angered the colonists. As I have pondered my own anger at the current direction of our government I think I have gained at least some insight into how the colonists felt.

The museum had displays about things like the Writs of Assistance (which allowed search and siezure of personal property at any time for any reason), forced housing of troops in homes, the Stamp Act to tax all pieces of paper, and other things that generally made the colonists angry. It was clear that the throne did not trust them, and they did not trust the throne to act for their common good. They felt abused and without recourse. A poll that was released this week on election day indicated that 75% of Americans were either angry or very dissatisfied with the government (about 25% angry, about 50% dissatisfied). Another 20% or so were neutral, and only 3 percent were satisfied. It seems that Americans neither trust the government to do what is right for the country nor feel that the leadership either trusts or represents them. Many just feel the government is not listening and does not 'get it'. The government treats the people as if they aren't smart enough to know how wonderful their direction really is. After all, we are 'hard wired not to think clearly when we are scared' and are 'clinging to guns and religion' according to the President. All of this results in anger, which I think must be how many of the colonists felt.

I for one am not scared, but I am angry. The election results were intended by the people to send a message to Washington. Listening to the news today, I am not at all sure that they will get the right message. I think many voters are angry for reasons similar to the colonists: a government that is out of control and limited ability to set them straight. That anger in the colonies grew over time due to a number of things, not just the taxes. I think that is the case now as well.  It is not just the economy. It is an accumulation of things. If the next 2 years does not show an improved ability to 'listen' in both Congress and the White House, even stronger messages will get sent.

The Wall Street Journal today included an editorial by Daniel Henninger that discusses how this election has repudiated the direction the Democratic administration was forcing the country to go. It is not yet clear whether the GOP will do any better. The article ended this way: 'If the GOP blows this, one would just as soon not go where a volatile and angry electorate will take the United States.' I agree. It is time for both parties to get in touch with reality.