Essay 2 Reflection

Since essay number one, I have learned only a few things. I do not feel like I have gotten the opportunity to improve by much but I do think that I have started to get slightly more comfortable with the analytical writing process. As I had said in my writing philosophy, I have wanted to explore the many styles of writing, so that I can understand an over all better sense of what creative writing is like. To me, this is what makes a better writer. Although analytical writing is good, in terms of historical writing and writing on a professional level, it just is not my idea of great writing. Personally, I want to expand my horizons, as far as writing goes, but I do not feel that this particular class allows me that opportunity.

Rough Draft #2 for the American Revolution

I will no longer stand by and allow Britain to do with the colonies what they wish! I am one of many who have come to be a part of this new land. This is land that has been run by the British government, which does not quite make sense to me; after all, we are an ocean away from each other. Although many of us have been born British, we are no longer a part of them; I, for one, an a citizen of New York. Why should we, the colonies, continue to follow under the rule of a country that really does not have much to do with us? We need each other in terms of trade and such, but how do we benefit in any other way from the British? We are a new people and part something that is not Britain; I hold my alliance with New York, and not with Great Britain because the Brits wrongly taxed us, the limits on the immigrants, the conditions in the prisons for the prisoners of war, and how they want to continue to maintain control over the colonies.

The Tories do not allow the immigrants to settle in the colonies and treat the prisoners of war inhumanely. “The British also exploited to the fullest two other manpower pools, immigrants and war prisoners.”1 With the harsh and forceful conditions many found no other way around alliance. “According to Captain Alexander McDonald of the Royal Highland Emigrants, ‘We cannot say they [the immigrants] were there forced into the Service, yet there was no other shift for them since they would not be allowed to goe to Settle in the Country, and it was promised them their wives and Children should have the Same allowance with the others belonging to the Army.”1 Those in jail see it as either a life or death situation. “Through December and January, more and more prisoners died in all the British jails. Not surprisingly, the recruiters did well. Many prisoners enlisted to escape life in these prisons. Others joined only to desert at the first opportunity.”1 Many have been forced to join the tories, not by choice, but as the only way out; who wants to be a part of a country that “created inhuman conditions to push prisoners into enlisting”1 or whose enlistment technique is “force, or fear of it”?1

Great Britain has been taxing us for matters of their own benefit. They chose to protect us and now expect us to pay taxes on everything in order to repay for this protection, as stated in the Stamp Act, where it says, “Whereas by an act made in the last session of parliament, several duties were granted, continued, and appropriated, towards defraying the expences of defending, protecting, and securing, the British colonies and plantations in America: and whereas it is just and necessary, that provision be made for raising a further revenue within your MajestyÂ’s dominions in America, towards defraying the said expences[...]. That from and after the first day of November, one thousand seven hundred and sixty five, there shall be raised, levied, collected, and paid unto his Majesty, his heirs, and successors, throughout the colonies and plantations in America which now are, or hereafter may be, under the dominion of his Majesty, his heirs and successors.”2 We do not feel that this is our responsibility to repay Great Britain because they defended us in their best interests towards trade not because we asked them to, so we, the people of merchants of New York, have put into place the Non-importation Agreement. In this agreement, we have all “promise and oblige ourselves not to buy any goods, wares, or merchandises of any person or persons whatsoever that shall he shipped from Great Britain after the first day of January next unless the Stamp Act shall be repealed-as witness our hands.” The result of the taxes infringed upon us has put many colonists, including myself, into debt and should not be our responsibility.

Great Britain is wrongly taxing us and we are not willing to allow this to keep happening any more. We, the merchants, the lawyers, and other inhabitants of many ranks unite to testify our dislikes for the evil project the Brits have of enslaving Americans. We came together in order to create a document called “Association of the Sons of Liberty in New York,” in which we all agree that we are not going to have anything to do with the duties on tea nor those who do. Together we understand that taxation has been a big issue and that it is not ok. They have used it against us to maintain some control, but no longer are we going to sit back and allow this to happen, nor favor anyone else who allows the taxation to continue without any act towards change. Little by little, we will not stop making attempts to take over our land and run it our way, by our people.

The British are taxing us for things that do not belong to them. Why might anyone want to be a Tory? After all, the British are selfish. “For ‘What property have they in that which another may, by right, take when he pleases to himself?’ The former is the undoubted right of Englishmen, to secure which they expended millions and sacrificed the lives of thousands.”4 All they want is money for things that do not belong to them, in order to make up for the money that they willingly sacrificed.

Our constitution, like the constitution of many other states, touches on subjects such as how our government is run by the people, how we are protected under the constitution and those in ruling power must judge our crimes according, the right-to-bear-arms, the pursuit of happiness, freedom of religion and the liberties that we have been fighting for. We earn what we have been fighting for all along, our liberties and a form of government that we have taken back control of. No longer must we consider ourselves British or the lower class British men. All along I knew that what I was fighting for was right and that in the end we would conquer.

Patrick Henry is one of my inspirations because he understands how important our liberty is and how we need to stand up to Great Britain. I was there the day he gave his “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” Speech and it was phenomenal. The way he spoke with such a profound and determined character came to my amazement. He had the guts to say what I had been thinking all along. If I could have, I would have stood by his side during that speech and shown that I too believe that our liberty is worth our lives, after all, what is life without liberty. Sacrificing everything for everyone’s freedom is more than worthwhile, it is necessary and it is a privilege to have that opportunity to make a difference. Like the saying, drastic times call for drastic measures and this is one. He shows us that there really is not much of another option, because the “war” has already begun and there is no turning back. Either we stand up for the change or we fall back and let Great Britain continue to push us around. Like Patrick Henry’s decision, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

As a patriot from New York, I am so glad that we have finally won our independence. No longer can the Brits continue to tax us. No longer can they try to control us and manipulate us. No longer can they control the people that come into the United States, or anything that we do. It is such a breath of fresh air to finally be Americans.













Bibliography

4. Association of the Sons of Liberty in New York; December 15, 1773
[The Avalon Project]

3. New York Merchants Non-importation Agreement; October 31, 1765
[The Avalon Project]

6. Patrick Henry - Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death; March 23, 1775
[The Avalon Project]

1. Ranlet, Philip. "British Recruitment of Americans in New York During the American --------Revolution." Military Affairs Vol. 48 No.1(1984): 26-28.

5. Ratification of the Constitution by the State of New York; July 26, 1788
[The Avalon Project]

2. The Stamp Act, March 22, 1765
[The Avalon Project

Rough Draft f #1for the American Revolution Essay

I will no longer stand by and allow Britain to do with the colonies what they wish! I am one of many who have come to be a part of this new land. This is land that has been run by the British government, which does not quite make sense to me; after all, we are an ocean away from each other. Although many of us have been born British, we are no longer a part of them; I, for one, an a citizen of New York. Why should we, the colonies, continue to follow under the rule of a country that really does not have much to do with us? We need each other in terms of trade and such, but how do we benefit in any other way from the British? The Brits are selfish and forceful. We are a new people and part of something that is not Britain; New York is where I hold my alliance.

Many only choose to join the tories because they do not have much of any other options. “The British also exploited to the fullest two other manpower pools, immigrants and war prisoners.”1 With the harsh and forceful conditions many found no other way around alliance. “According to Captain Alexander McDonald of the Royal Highland Emigrants, ‘We cannot say they [the immigrants] were there forced into the Service, yet there was no other shift for them since they would not be allowed to goe to Settle in the Country, and it was promised them their wives and Children should have the Same allowance with the others belonging to the Army.”1 Those in jail see it as either a life or death situation. “Through December and January, more and more prisoners died in all the British jails. Not surprisingly, the recruiters did well. Many prisoners enlisted to escape life in these prisons. Others joined only to desert at the first opportunity.”1 Many have been forced to join the tories, not by choice, but as the only way out; who wants to be a part of a country that “created inhuman conditions to push prisoners into enlisting”1 or whose enlistment technique is “force, or fear of it”?1

Great Britain has been taxing us for matters of their own benefit. They chose to protect us and now expect us to pay taxes on everything in order to repay for this protection, as stated in the Stamp Act, where it says, “Whereas by an act made in the last session of parliament, several duties were granted, continued, and appropriated, towards defraying the expences of defending, protecting, and securing, the British colonies and plantations in America: and whereas it is just and necessary, that provision be made for raising a further revenue within your MajestyÂ’s dominions in America, towards defraying the said expences[...]. That from and after the first day of November, one thousand seven hundred and sixty five, there shall be raised, levied, collected, and paid unto his Majesty, his heirs, and successors, throughout the colonies and plantations in America which now are, or hereafter may be, under the dominion of his Majesty, his heirs and successors.”2 We do not feel that this is our responsibility to repay Great Britain because they defended us in their best interests towards trade not because we asked them to, so we, the people of merchants of New York, have put into place the Non-importation Agreement. In this agreement, we have all “promise and oblige ourselves not to buy any goods, wares, or merchandises of any person or persons whatsoever that shall he shipped from Great Britain after the first day of January next unless the Stamp Act shall be repealed-as witness our hands.” The result of the taxes infringed upon us has put many colonists, including myself, into debt and should not be our responsibility.

We, the merchants, the lawyers, and other inhabitants of many ranks unite to testify our dislikes for the evil project the Brits have of enslaving Americans. We came together in order to create a document called “Association of the Sons of Liberty in New York,” in which we all agree that we are not going to have anything to do with the duties on tea nor those who do. Together we understand that taxation has been a big issue and that it is not ok. They have used it against us to maintain some control, but no longer are we going to sit back and allow this to happen, nor favor anyone else who allows the taxation to continue without any act towards change. Little by little, we will not stop making attempts to take over our land and run it our way, by our people.

Why might anyone want to be a Tory? After all, the British are selfish. “For ‘What property have they in that which another may, by right, take when he pleases to himself?’ The former is the undoubted right of Englishmen, to secure which they expended millions and sacrificed the lives of thousands.”4 All they want is money for things that do not belong to them, in order to make up for the money that they willingly sacrificed.

Our constitution, like the constitution of many other states, touches on subjects such as how our government is run by the people, how we are protected under the constitution and those in ruling power must judge our crimes according, the right-to-bear-arms, the pursuit of happiness, freedom of religion and the liberties that we have been fighting for. We earn what we have been fighting for all along, our liberties and a form of government that we have taken back control of. No longer must we consider ourselves British or the lower class British men. All along I knew that what I was fighting for was right and that in the end we would conquer.

Patrick Henry was one of my inspirations. I was there the day he gave his “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” Speech and it was phenomenal. The way he spoke with such a profound and determined character came to my amazement. He had the guts to say what I had been thinking all along. If I could have, I would have stood by his side during that speech and shown that I too believe that our liberty is worth our lives, after all, what is life without liberty. Sacrificing everything for everyone’s freedom is more than worthwhile, it is necessary and it is a privilege to have that opportunity to make a difference. Like the saying, drastic times call for drastic measures and this is one. He shows us that there really is not much of another option, because the “war” has already begun and there is no turning back. Either we stand up for the change or we fall back and let Great Britain continue to push us around. Like Patrick Henry’s decision, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

First Continental Congress related to the Advisory Council and our community meetings

I think that the First Continental Congress could teach us that although we come from a number of different feeder schools and have a different number of perspectives, we can still come together in meetings, such as community meetings, Advisory Council, and things of that nature, in order to push for a greater common cause. It is kind of like the saying, “United we stand, divided we fall,” which originated in the fourth verse of a 1768 patriotic ballad, The Liberty Song, by John Dickinson. (http://americanhistory.si.edu/1942/campaign/campaign24.html) I truly think that if a group of divers people come together with a common goal at hand, they hold a vast amount of possibilities, and it would be more then likely in their favor, especially when it comes to change. I know that in my experience, that previous thought has been a reality. When I was about eleven or twelve, I was involved in this organization called ICL, the Institute for Community Leadership. In this organization, the common cause was to fight for non-violence; we reiterated this in both our workshops and in numerous speaking events. Our organization was made of students and administrators ranging in age from eleven years old to those in their late fifties. We came from many different schools, cities, and had different ethnicities and backgrounds. But this always worked out to our advantage because we were able to captivate and persuade people and a variety of different levels. More then not, our audience was able to connect with us. Although many people might see diversity as a downfall, I see it as a mere advantage, a strengthening feature. The reason being that if a large diversed number of people are in favor of a particular cause, say one of the constitutions in place at PSEC, it becomes a stronger argument because there will be a large number of reasons and back up for the decision. If everyone were the same, it would take out the complexity of the issue, and therefore create the possibility of lacking depth and enough support.


To my knowledge, I feel that the governing process by which we follow at PSEC is a valid process and as it stands, is good the way it is, for right now. First off, I am for a democracy and equality. I feel that it is important for matters to be fair and everyone hold a say in what happens and the rules by which they must follow. This is something that I have always thought to be important. I personally, like most people when they are young, used to always say, “That’s not fair” and I would always receive the response, “life isn’t fair. Get over it.” This I feel does not need to be true. I think that everyone should be allowed the same things as everyone else, as long as they abide by the rules, clearly a murder shouldn’t be allowed the same rights as a hero of the community, for example. I also find it wonderful how our Advisory Council consists of four juniors, four seniors, and four members of the faculty. This creates as much of an equality as possible, except I feel it would be better if of each of the four, two members of each category be girls and two boys, unless an exception has to be made due to the people interested because it is better to have the equality thrown off a little, then to force someone into being on Advisory Council and they aren’t even committed or they doesn’t really care about what happens to PSEC as a community. Although I don’t know much on the current governing process we hold at PSEC, what I know as of now seems to be pretty reasonable.


I, just like every student at PSEC, can get involved and make an impact on the process and structure of PSEC as a community. One way in which I could do this would be to become a part of the Advisory Council. Another way I could involve myself is by making a proposal for things that I feel need to be change and bring it up to the community in one of our community meetings. I could also help implement the changes, if approved. One thing that is nice about the constitution is that we are able to make changes if need and it is not something looked down upon, but instead is considered a good thing because it allows the possibility for change and gives up the chance to see what does or doesn’t work out for the better. Without this opportunity, we might continue to make preventable situations and nothing could be done, in terms of growth and development of PSECs process and structure.


Because the process allows us, as a community, to get involved, I know that this can be considered a challenge. I also understand that this challenge may be ignored or not engaged due to laziness, fear, or simply not caring about the matters. This becomes a challenge because it isn’t required of anyone to step up and make changes, unless they commit to the Advisory Council, or something of that nature and it is their duty. It may also be a challenge to come up with a reasonable response or possible action to take in order to make the changes. Another place where this becomes a challenge is when people are too afraid to speak up because they are scared of being turned down or someone might put them down for their beliefs. Because we have a democracy, it is less likely, because everyone is allowed a say, making it more unlikely for someone to put you down for your idea and more likely that someone else may side with you on the issue, maybe not complete, but to a substantial point. If those people aren’t willing to step up and get involved, year after year, PSEC would not see any significant changes, and will be stuck in a certain state, by which they would have reoccurring difficulties. I do feel that it is essential for members of the community to get involved in these issues that make an impact on them and push for a change, to not only benefit themselves, but those who come after them and the members of their cohort.