#1040-1041: The Measure of a Patriot, Parts 1 & 2

[Bob]

The new historic two-parter is out.

Starting at the 'end' and working our way back: Apparently Sophie isn't familiar enough with the story to pick up on it, but Mr. Adams' account of the events behind Seider's death is remarkably biased. He describes it as being 'some boys playing'; in reality the child was with a gang of youth who were vandalizing property and harassing loyalists. They were throwing rocks at Mr. Richardson and his house, before Richardson took his musket and shot into the crowd. While Seider shouldn't have died for it, he was not an innocent victim of random violence the way Adams implies. I assume that Sophie is going to figure out before too long, in Part 2, that either this incident, or something else similar, is being told from a very specific perspective, and she will probably be disenchanted with Mr. Adams, as with prior historical figures - a shame because he was really a remarkable person with many characteristics worth writing about. It isn't likely to get any better; just about all of the Founders, even Mr. Washington, have faults, either similar to what they've already seen, or in other facets.

Wyatt demonstrates a certain confusion when he observes, though, that Mr. Adams "seems like a good guy" and is thus worthy of consideration. Their report isn't about a patriot who was also a good person in every area of their life and conduct, although that may play a certain role in who inspires a person. I think Mr. Rodney driving 70 miles out during a storm, overnight, to make it to the convention is an inspiring show of dedication to his cause. Of course, it is easier to be inspired when you know someone doesn't have horrible flaws, but the presence of those flaws didn't mean that that person has no actions or qualities worth remembering or emulating. All in all, I feel like this comes at the idea of "David & Absalom", of heroes being just people, from a different angle.

The challenge of history, I suppose, is to learn what good things we can without repeating their mistakes, which is always easier said than done.

[Polehaus53]

I need to listen to this episode again, but I have some thoughts. I can say this was an enjoyable episode, especially as one who enjoys studying history.

I like the character of Sophie. I will write about "A Quick Fix", in which she plays a big role, at some point. Anyway, I think she and Wyatt go well together. With her love of history, it makes sense for her to be interested in the lesser known Founding Fathers. I had not heard of Caesar Rodney before listening to this episode. I was familiar with Benjamin Franklin's glass harmonica, though!

Of course, it is easier to be inspired when you know someone doesn't have horrible flaws, but the presence of those flaws didn't mean that that person has no actions or qualities worth remembering or emulating. All in all, I feel like this comes at the idea of "David & Absalom", of heroes being just people, from a different angle.

The challenge of history, I suppose, is to learn what good things we can without repeating their mistakes, which is always easier said than done.

Very well said! I think that these episodes have excellent potential to show the audience that nobody, even those who founded our nation, is going to be perfect. There's an important practice of separating the idea from the person which I think many tend to forget about.

I look forward to hearing part 2!