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 - Purpose of Clarity in Communication
Samuel Chase MD:
Answer straight: what would be its purpose?
Thomas Jefferson:
To place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent.
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