Sons of Liberty

Maybe you saw a promo flit across the screen last week or caught an ad in the paper or in a magazine.

Just in case you missed it, here's a recommendation for you to catch up on history.  Our history in the United States of America.

It starts in 1765 in Boston where the disgruntled are starting to chafe in difficult conditions.  That's where we meet Samuel Adams (long before he started brewing his own beer).

Liberty beats in the hearts of Sam Adams and his band of thugs, but in three episodes you see discontent and economic shackles reach beyond the lower classes.  As the unrest grows, it gives birth to America's first gang, the Sons of Liberty.

You may know some of the names and some of the story, but I expect you will be surprised at what you learn in watching a quick telling of how rich men like John Hancock voted for Independence.

The series was shown last weekend and start an encore presentation tonight on the History Channel, or you can follow the link above to see the episodes for yourself online.

I love our nation's history, and thought I knew quite a bit of it.  Well, much of the romance is found in the details and the back story.  When you meet Hancock, it's hard to imagine him writing his name large enough for the King to read it.  Rather, he seems like a weak individual looking for a fast answer and sharp deal for a quick buck.

You'll recognize the wise heads in the room of Ben Franklin and George Washington as well as the many miscalculations the British made along the way.

It's worth a look, you'll come away with a new found appreciation for the brave people who spilled their blood to water the roots of freedom and risked their all for a dream many never saw.

The program is historical fiction not a documentary that focuses on the people and actual events that shaped our country.  It rings true.

Samuel Adams, a common man without pedigree, addressed delegates from the 13 colonies:

"The hearts of your soldiers beat high with the spirit of freedom; they are animated with the justice of their cause, and while they grasp their swords can look up to Heaven for assistance. Your adversaries are composed of wretches who laugh at the rights of humanity, who turn religion into derision, and would, for higher wages, direct their swords against their leaders or their country. Go on, then, in your generous enterprise, with gratitude to Heaven for past, success, and confidence of it in the future. For my own part, I ask no greater blessing than to share with you the common danger and common glory. If I have a wish dearer to my soul than that my ashes may be mingled with those of a Warren and a Montgomery, it is that these American States may never cease to be free and independent."

Take the time to watch or read a book to catch up on your history.  

In a nice bit of historical synergy, you have to like the prime sponsor for this latest effort by the History Channel; none other than Samuel Adams Beer.