Bob Schwartz

Tag: No Kings

The American Revolution and today: Might does not make right.

Gadsden Flag (1775)

This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. This week we see the U.S. invasion of Venezuela, a sovereign nation, to capture that nation’s leader—however malevolent he may be—contrary to principles of international and American justice.

The only principle of that invasion and capture: Might makes right.

A primary principle of the American Revolution and of the next 250 years of America: Might does not make right.

As much talk as we hear and action we witness, including extending similar invasions to other nations, keep this motto in mind: Might does not make right.

The flag above, designed in 1775 by Christopher Gadsden, a delegate to the Continental Congress, is a symbol of that principle. The Gadsden flag was an inspiration then and remains essential. To put it in contemporary terms: No Kings.

Might does not make right.

No Kings: 1776 and now

Pulling down the statue of Mad King George III at Bowling Green, New York City, July 9,1776 (painting by William Walcutt, 1854).