To the editor:

This week the Bristol Historical Society is hosting a commemoration and reenactment of the British bombing and burning of Bristol that occurred in 1775 and 1778 during the American Revolutionary War. The issues then: taxation without representation, tariffs on imported goods, and the continual bullying and aggression against American colonists by the British king, George III. Sound familiar? All this is happening now to Americans who are supposed to be living in a country with an established democracy (less than 250 years old) and a Constitution of laws that should be protecting people of this country from tyranny both foreign and domestic.

I find it ironic that we are almost back to square one, 1775, only this time we are surrounded by domestic tyrants seeking personal power and money on the backs of working people. So while we watch the battle reenactments, which are, in my opinion, super interesting and cool, think of the parallels to what has been happening in our country these last four months.

For those who have taken a break from the news or don't follow a range of news sources, here are a few examples of the parallel issues: Tariffs on imports (we will be paying for that), no due process, threats of revoking habeas corpus, punishing free speech that doesn’t align with the current regime, egregious security breaches without any accountability, zero Congressional oversight by MAGA Republicans, ICE and ICE impersonators snatching people off the street without warrants or cause (it’s happening, sometimes violently), gaslighting the media when actions and policies are questioned, luxuriating in lavish spending on golf trips, Super Bowl and Daytona appearances, turning the White House into a gold palace, charging wealthy immigrants for green cards at 5 million dollars apiece, just as an aspiring king or dictator would. No accountability, no Congressional oversight or approval, ergo NO REPRESENTATION.

The American Colonists had enough 250 years ago. When will we? Where is our red line? Is it only when this assault on our freedoms affects us? I urge “we the people” to speak up, speak out, and peacefully resist. Watch the reenactments of the British bombardment of Bristol this weekend. Ask yourself, “are we back full circle, to a modern day assault on our rights and freedom”? If so, what are you willing to do about it? There are many ways to be active. For the sake of what is right and just, please do so.

Jen Devine
Bristol