Rebellion: A Duty Against Tyrannical Law Since 1776

When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty is a quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although it has not been found in his writings. The phrase is often accompanied by the date 1776 and is used to express patriotism and has been featured on various products such as vinyl stickers, decals, t-shirts, and flags.

Thomas Jefferson's views on rebellion and tyranny

Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate for the right to rebel against tyranny and oppression. The quote "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" is often attributed to him, although there is some debate over its authenticity. This phrase encapsulates Jefferson's belief in the duty of citizens to resist and overthrow a despotic government.

Jefferson's views on rebellion and tyranny were heavily influenced by his experiences during the American Revolution. He was a prominent figure in the movement for American independence and the author of the Declaration of Independence, which outlined the colonists' grievances against the British Crown and justified their decision to break away from Great Britain.

In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote: "...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....". This excerpt demonstrates Jefferson's conviction that when a government engages in a pattern of oppressive and unjust actions, it is not only the right but also the responsibility of the people to rise up and overthrow that government.

Jefferson's philosophy on rebellion and tyranny was rooted in his belief in natural rights and liberty. He argued that individuals possess certain inherent rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. When a government becomes tyrannical and infringes upon these natural rights, Jefferson believed that the people have a justifiable reason to rebel and establish a new government that better protects their freedoms.

While Jefferson's views on rebellion and tyranny have been influential, they have also been controversial. Some critics argue that his ideas can be misused to justify violent uprisings or to undermine established governments, even when they are functioning legitimately. Nonetheless, Jefferson's philosophy continues to resonate with those who advocate for individual freedoms and the right to resist oppression.

The Declaration of Independence

The preamble is followed by a list of grievances against King George III, in which the colonists detail the ways in which the British monarch has violated their rights and acted as a tyrant. These include imposing taxes without their consent, quartering troops in their homes, and cutting off trade. Each grievance is an example of how "tyranny becomes law," as the King's actions are seen as oppressive and unjust.

The phrase "when tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" captures the spirit of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. It expresses the belief that when a government becomes oppressive and acts against the interests of its people, it is not only the right but also the duty of the people to rise up and overthrow that government. This idea has resonated throughout American history and continues to inspire people fighting for freedom and justice today.

The right to overthrow a government

The phrase "when tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although it has not been found in his writings. It captures some of the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence, such as the right of the people to "throw off" a government that threatens their freedoms.

On the other hand, some argue that a stable society requires a social contract between the government and the governed, and that revolution undermines this contract. This view, often associated with philosophers like Hobbes and Locke, emphasizes the importance of order and stability over individual rights. From this perspective, revolution can be seen as a threat to the social fabric that protects everyone's interests.

In the context of the American Revolution, the phrase "when tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" reflects the belief that the British government had become tyrannical and that it was the duty of the colonists to overthrow it. This belief was expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which lists the "long train of abuses and usurpations" committed by the British Crown and asserts the right of the people to "alter or abolish" such a government.

Today, the phrase continues to be used by those who believe that their government has become oppressive or tyrannical. It is often associated with patriotism and the defense of individual liberties. However, the right to overthrow a government remains a complex and controversial issue, and it is important to carefully consider the potential consequences and justifications for such an action.

The relevance of the quote to January 20th, 2021

The quote "when tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" is often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, but it captures some of the ideas he expressed in the Declaration of Independence. The quote conveys that when a government engages in a long train of abuses and usurptions, it is the right and duty of the people to overthrow such a government.

On January 20th, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. This date holds significance as it marks the day when the power is transferred from the outgoing president to the newly elected president. The 20th Amendment of the US Constitution states that the terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on January 20th, and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

The relevance of the quote "when tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" to January 20th, 2021, can be examined from different perspectives. Firstly, the quote emphasizes the idea that a government that abuses its power and infringes on the rights of its citizens should be opposed. In the context of the 2021 inauguration, it serves as a reminder to the incoming administration to uphold the principles of democracy, freedom, and justice. It is their duty to govern with the best interests of the people in mind and to protect their rights and freedoms.

Secondly, the quote empowers citizens to hold their leaders accountable. On Inauguration Day, the people witness the peaceful transfer of power, which is a cornerstone of democracy. The quote reminds citizens that they have a responsibility to stay informed, engage in civil discourse, and actively participate in the political process to ensure that their government represents their values and interests.

Additionally, the quote underscores the importance of unity and national pride. The inauguration of a new president is an opportunity for the country to come together and work towards a common goal, regardless of political affiliation. The quote "when tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" can inspire Americans to set aside their differences and unite under the shared values of liberty and justice, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Lastly, the quote's reference to 1776, the year of the American Revolution, evokes a sense of patriotism and a commitment to the ideals upon which the nation was founded. January 20th, 2021, marked another chapter in the ongoing story of American democracy, where the will of the people, as expressed through their votes, ultimately determines the nation's leadership.

The quote's appearance in print and online sources

The quote, "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty", is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although it has not been found in his writings. It has appeared in various print and online sources, including books, websites, and product designs.

The quote has been featured in several books, such as "Save the Males: Common Sense on Family and Gender Issues" by R. F. Doyle, published in 2006. It has also appeared in online articles, such as "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty (Spurious Quotation)" by Anna Berkes on the Monticello website, which discusses the misattribution of the quote to Thomas Jefferson.

The quote has also been used extensively in product designs, particularly on websites like Amazon and Vinyl Mayhem. These products include t-shirts, hoodies, car decals, stickers, flags, and mugs. For example, Amazon offers a variety of t-shirts with the quote, often paired with patriotic imagery or references to 1776. Similarly, Vinyl Mayhem offers a vinyl transfer sticker featuring the quote, designed to showcase American spirit and patriotism.

Frequently asked questions