Rebellion As Duty: Tyranny, Law, And Freedom

When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty is a quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The quote is often used in a patriotic context, appearing on merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers, and mugs, and is associated with the Fourth of July. While Jefferson is known for his contributions to American ideas of liberty, he has also been criticized for his complicity in the injustice of slavery.

Thomas Jefferson's beliefs on rebellion

Thomas Jefferson, one of the United States' founding fathers and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, held strong beliefs about the right to rebel against tyranny. The famous quote, "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty," is often attributed to Jefferson, and it encapsulates his thoughts on the subject.

Jefferson's beliefs on rebellion were shaped by his philosophical and political ideals, which were deeply rooted in the Enlightenment principles of natural rights, liberty, and consent of the governed. He believed that individuals had certain inherent rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments were instituted to secure these rights. In his view, legitimate political power derived from the consent of the governed, and rulers were duty-bound to act in the best interests of the people.

Jefferson's writings, particularly in the Declaration of Independence, reveal his conviction that when a government becomes destructive of these natural rights, it is the right and duty of the people to alter or abolish it. He argued that long-standing governments should not be changed for light or transient causes, but when a government consistently abuses its power and infringes on the rights of the people, it becomes necessary for the people to overthrow it. Jefferson saw rebellion as a last resort, to be undertaken only when all other efforts at reform have failed.

A key aspect of Jefferson's thinking on rebellion was his distinction between lawful and unlawful government. He believed that governments derive their just powers from the governed and that any government that consistently violates the rights of its citizens forfeits its legitimacy. In his letter to William Stephens Smith in 1787, Jefferson articulated his belief that rebellion becomes the duty of citizens when their government becomes tyrannical: "What country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms... The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

Jefferson also recognized the potential for abuse of power and the need for checks and balances within a government. He advocated for a system of separated powers, with different branches of government serving as a check on each other's power. In his design for the US government, he included a strong legislature to represent the people, an independent judiciary to interpret the laws, and an executive branch with limited powers.

In conclusion, Thomas Jefferson's beliefs on rebellion were grounded in his unwavering commitment to liberty and his conviction that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. He saw rebellion as a necessary safeguard against tyranny, a means of holding rulers accountable, and a way to restore a just and lawful government. While he recognized the inherent risks of rebellion, Jefferson believed that the preservation of liberty was worth fighting for, and that the duty to resist tyranny was a sacred obligation of all free people. His ideas continue to influence political thought and shape democratic ideals worldwide.

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration was drafted by a Committee of Five, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. The committee charged Jefferson with writing the original draft, which was then edited by the Second Continental Congress. The Declaration was a formal explanation of why the Continental Congress voted to declare American independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, over a year after the American Revolutionary War began.

The Declaration outlines a general philosophy of government that justifies revolution when government harms natural rights. It asserts that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It further states that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that when any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.

The Declaration then lists 27 colonial grievances against King George III, including his refusal to assent to laws necessary for the public good, obstruction of the administration of justice, and the imposition of taxes without colonial consent. It concludes by declaring that the United States are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown.

The phrase "when tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although it has not been found in his writings. However, the sentiment captures some of the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence, particularly in the section that states:

> "...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, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

Resistance to government

The quote, "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty," is a powerful statement often attributed to Edward Abbey, an American author and environmental activist. This phrase encapsulates the sentiment that when a government becomes oppressive and acts in a tyrannical manner, it is the responsibility of the people to rise up and resist. Resistance to government, or civil disobedience, has a long history and has been employed by people worldwide to fight against injustice and unfair laws. It is a fundamental concept in democracy and a critical tool for protecting freedom and individual rights.

Another form of resistance is through civil disobedience, where individuals deliberately break specific laws or refuse to follow government orders. This can include acts such as refusing to pay taxes, engaging in illegal protests, or leaking confidential information to expose government wrongdoing. Those who engage in civil disobedience often accept the legal consequences of their actions, using their punishment to further highlight the injustice of the laws or policies they are resisting. A well-known example of civil disobedience is Henry David Thoreau's refusal to pay poll taxes in the mid-19th century as a protest against slavery and the Mexican-American War.

In more extreme cases, resistance to government can involve the use of force or violent means. Throughout history, there have been instances where people have taken up arms against their oppressive governments, believing that it is their duty to overthrow the tyrants by any means necessary. Revolutions, such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution, are examples of violent resistance to tyranny. However, it is important to note that the use of violence should always be a last resort, as it can lead to harmful consequences and a cycle of escalating conflict.

The quote's first known attribution

The quote, "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty," has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. However, there is no evidence that Jefferson ever said these exact words. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which maintains his property at Monticello, could not find this saying anywhere in his writings. Etymologist Barry Popik also states that there is no proof that Jefferson said this, and the first-known attribution to him was in 2006, although the phrase has been in circulation for much longer.

Popik believes that the phrase was popularized by social activists in Australia. In 1993, a member of Australia's Socialist Alliance used a similar phrase in response to the High Court of Australia's decision to detain refugee children in immigration centres: "The High Court of Australia's decision to keep refugee children imprisoned in detention centres makes it crystal clear that injustice has become law in this country. And when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty."

While Jefferson may not have used these exact words, the sentiment of rebellion against tyranny and injustice is consistent with some of his other statements. In a letter from 1787, Jefferson wrote, "I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere." Additionally, in the Declaration of Independence, which Jefferson authored, he wrote about the right and duty of the people to "throw off" a government that engages in "a long train of abuses and usurpations" and seeks to establish "absolute Despotism."

Despite the misattribution to Jefferson, the quote continues to circulate and hold significance for many people, especially those invoking the spirit of "resistance" against perceived injustices or oppressive governments.

The quote's use in modern politics

The quote "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" is often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. While Jefferson did author the Declaration of Independence and express similar ideas in his retirement papers, there is no evidence that he ever used this exact phrasing. The quote first appeared in print in 2006 and has been the subject of extensive analysis by etymologists.

Despite this, the quote has been widely circulated and shared, particularly on social media platforms like Twitter. Both conservatives and liberals have used it to express their political views, with liberals especially embracing the concept of "resistance" in opposition to the Trump administration.

The sentiment expressed in the quote aligns with Jefferson's known beliefs about the importance of resistance and rebellion against unjust governments. In a letter from 1787, Jefferson wrote, "I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere." This idea of rebellion as a necessary and healthy act of defiance against tyranny resonates with many people today, who see it as a call to action in the face of perceived injustice or oppression.

In modern politics, the quote is often invoked to justify or encourage opposition to government actions or policies that are seen as tyrannical or unjust. It has been used by activists and protesters to rally support for their causes, and by politicians or public figures to criticize or challenge the actions of those in power. The quote represents a belief in the duty of the people to resist and overthrow oppressive or abusive governments, echoing the ideals of freedom and liberty that are fundamental to democratic societies.

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