Letter to the Editor

Tea vs. freedom

Tuesday, July 7, 2009
A patriotic "tea party" display in downtown McCook. (Gabe Jackson).

Dear Editor,

After seeing the display in the Knowlen and Yates window I was reminded of time I was taught about the Boston Tea Party. Now, being a little older, not much wiser, I see all too much in common with today's situation and the situation that caused the valiant demonstration. Except that people in today's American society seem to not care as much as the earlier Americans did. In the year of 1773 on December 16th, a revolt was carried out by the "Sons of Liberty" led by American Patriot, Samuel Adams.

The reason for this revolt was simple. The Sons of Liberty were in agreement that the recently passed Tea Act of 1773, was a direct act on the part of the British to strengthen reason for their heavy taxes and undercut local merchants. This act in fact imposed no new taxes but it entailed shipping 18 million pounds of unsold tea that the East India Shipping Company had in surplus stock. The catch was that the East India Co. was deep in the waters of financial troubles and they were a substantial part of the English overseas trade. Britain at that time, was well-hated by the American colonies and this act was seen as a move to buy favor by selling cheap, unwanted tea. The Sons of Liberty saw the face behind the crooked mask and overturned some 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor on the 16th. This was their way of saying, "no we don't want your silly tea." This was the act that caused the American Revolution to turn into the Revolutionary War. The war for our Independence, our freedom. Anything familiar? Freedom is not acquired and forgotten, it is always under attack, and we must always defend it. Hope the 4th of July was a good one for McCook! Make the next one better with this in mind.

Gabe Jackson,

McCook

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  • Well said.

    Arley

    -- Posted by Navyblue on Wed, Jul 8, 2009, at 4:42 PM
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