1776 - The Dilemma of Independence and Compromise
Edward Rutledge:
Remove it, or South Carolina will bury, now and forever, your dream of independence.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
John, I beg you, consider what you're doing.
John Adams:
Mark me Franklin, if we give in on this issue, posterity will never forgive us.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
That's probably true, but we won't hear a thing. We will be long gone. Besides, what will posterity think we were? Demigods? We're men, no more, no less. Trying to get a nation started against greater odds than a more generous God would have allowed. First things first John, independence America. If we don't secure that, what difference will the rest make?
John Adams:
Jefferson, say something.
Thomas Jefferson:
What else is there to do?
John Adams:
Well man, you're the one who wrote it.
Thomas Jefferson:
I wrote all of it, Mr Adams.
John Adams:
There it is Rutledge, you have your slavery, little good may it do you. Now vote, damn you!
Edward Rutledge:
Mr. President, the fair colony of South Carolina, says Yea.
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1776 - Symbolic Birds in Revolutionary Debate
John Adams:
The eagle.
Thomas Jefferson:
The dove.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
The turkey.
John Adams:
The eagle.
Thomas Jefferson:
The dove.
John Adams:
The eagle!
Thomas Jefferson:
(considers) The eagle.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
The turkey.
John Adams:
The eagle. The eagle is a majestic bird!
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
The eagle is a scavenger, a thief and coward. A symbol of over ten centuries of European mischief.
John Adams:
And the turkey?
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
The turkey is a truly noble bird. Native american, a source of sustenance to our original settlers, and an incredibly brave fellow who wouldn't flinch from attacking a whole regiment of Englishmen single-handedly! Therefore, the national bird of America is going to be...
John Adams:
The eagle!
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
The eagle!
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1776 - The Pen's Power Over the Sword
John Adams:
(reading a note tossed down from Jefferson) "Dear Mr. Adams, I am taking my wife back to bed. Kindly go away. Your obedient, T. Jefferson." Incredible!
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
(chuckles) You know, perhaps I should have written the Declaration. At my age there's little doubt that the pen is mightier than the sword.
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1776 - The Birth of a New National Identity
John Dickinson:
Fortunately, the people maintain a higher regard for their mother country.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
Higher, certainly, than she feels for them. Never was such a valuable possession so stupidly and recklessly managed, than this entire continent by the British crown. Our industry discouraged, our resources pillaged... first of all our very character stifled. We've spawned a new race here, Mr. Dickinson. Rougher, simpler; more violent, more enterprising; less refined. We're a new nationality. We require a new nation.
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1776 - A Debate on Sleep and English Identity
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
Please Mr. Dickinson, but must you start banging? How is a man to sleep?
John Dickinson:
Forgive me, Dr. Franklin, but must YOU start speaking? How is a man to stay awake?
John Dickinson:
We'll promise to be quiet - I'm sure everyone prefers that you remained asleep.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
If I'm to hear myself called an Englishman, sir, I assure you I prefer I'd remained asleep.
John Dickinson:
What's so terrible about being called an Englishman? The English don't seem to mind.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
Nor would I, were I given the full rights of an Englishman. But to call me one without those rights is like calling an ox a bull. He's thankful for the honor, but he'd much rather have restored what's rightfully his.
John Dickinson:
When did you first notice they were missing, sir?
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1776 - Treason's Perspective: Winners and Losers Debate
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
Treason is a charge invented by winners as an excuse for hanging the losers.
John Adams:
(scoffs) I have more to do than stand here all day listening to you quote yourself.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
Oh, John, that was a new one!
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The Blue Dahlia - A Conversation About Law Enforcement Attention
Eddie Harwood:
Half the cops in L.A. are looking for you.
Johnny Morrison:
Only half?
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The Blue Dahlia - Acknowledging Faults in Love
Eddie Harwood:
I know I've got lots of faults, but being in love with you isn't one of them, is it?
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Abe Lincoln in Illinois - Election Results and Voter Reactions in New Salem
Mentor Graham:
Abe carried New Salem by 205 votes to 3.
Jack Armstrong:
My boys are out tryin to find the 3 skunks who voted wrong.
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Abe Lincoln in Illinois - Occupations for the Failed: Teaching and Politics
Mentor Graham:
Well, Abe, there are always two occupations open to those who have failed at everything else: school teaching and politics.
Lincoln's Cook:
President of the United States! If they get him back there into Washington, he won't ever come out alive.
Jack Armstrong: [to the crowd]
I tell you, you all ought to listen to the judge. He got a round belly but a level head. No one can do nothin with me without lickin me first!
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