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Bill's avatar

Hi David!

I've been watching your program for several years now and always enjoyed your topics. I am in total agreement with your observations. I've brought up a little known topic: John Brown and the Harper's Ferry Insurrection. Below is a note that I sent to my cousin the other day and I felt that I should share this with you, so here goes:

In 1859 John Brown led a rebellion against the US government at Harper's Ferry, VA. His intention was not to overthrow the government but to simply emancipate the southern slaves. In his defense he said, he “never did intend murder, or treason, of the destruction of property, or to excite or incite Slaves to rebellion, or to make insurrection.” Of course, he was found guilty for murder, inciting slaves to rebel, and treason against the Commonwealth of Virginia. The rebellion occurred on October 16, 1859. Three months later he was hanged.

Fast forward to the January 6 insurrection. The insurrection resulted in death, treason and "the destruction of property". Not only that, but a lot of people were "incited" to rebel, "or to make insurrection".

What separates the outcome of the former in contrast to the latter? Was John Brown's trial a rush to judgement or have we white washed the past, hoping that the majority would remain ignorant of it?

If John Brown's rebellion is a precedent, how come nobody has applied the lessons of it to the capitol insurrection? Shouldn't we have already hanged the people who incited "to rebellion, or to make insurrection"?

Your thoughts?

Thank you,

Bill Denert (pronounced like "desert" - accent on the first syllable!!)

Cromwell, CT

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Dan Lennon's avatar

You can't make people gay. Republicans are just insane. They are fighting a losing battle against the enlightened, civilized acceptance of diversity. States that insist on such bigotry will find themselves in the backwaters as people move to states that aren't led by people with Gulag mentalities.

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