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Stop to Consider Bastille Day
Today is Bastille Day. It is the French equivalent of our Independence Day. Americans should take a moment and consider this event from the French Revolution. The freeing of the political prisoners from the Bastille was a moment of “Liberty” for the French people. They were inspired by witnessing the Americans throwing off the British crown.
Few Americans realize how tied the French are to us and our own revolution. If we did, the stupid appellation of “Freedom Fries” would never have been uttered. In any case, the French inspired by Americans revolted against their monarchy. The direct tie to our own revolution is not even arguable.When Lafayette, famous for his role in our own revolution, receives the key to the Bastille, he sends it to his good friend George Washington. It is in gratitude for that inspiration.
However, things degrade badly from there. What follows this moment of joy and freedom is a decade of civil war. There is the rise of Robespierre and the Reign of Terror during this time. The civil war eventually ends in dictatorship. It is why Napoleon was SO popular. He ended this bloody civil war.
I urge all my fellow Americans to take a moment and consider this day of freedom. Study some history today so you can understand how the road to hell is truly paved with good intentions. There are some lessons for Americans here in the French Revolution.
