Do you really think you are ready for such a task? I'm not entirely sure I want to leave home myself, but...there is an undeniable promise to this venture.
They matter little indeed, to anyone it seems. Washington hardly accepted my resignation and I find I am constantly being pulled in one direction or another - always opposite of the one I wish to actually go in.
I suppose, as the French say, C'est la vie.
It is certainly a pleasure to see you again, as well. I regret I was denied the opportunity to contribute the most at the prime of our former conversation. I can only hope such usurpations will not become commonplace.
I hardly wish to become freed from one tyrant only to be puppeteer-ed by another.
I understand your regret. It is difficult to find myself with an overlord that I am completely unable to fight against. I can rail and beat my fists but it only seems to amuse her. I sympathize.
I understand that you are American. But, please tell me, I understand that America had it's own revolution, and the colonies separated from England. I know the name Washington but I'm sorry if I do not know a good deal more.
But I admire a colony that decides to be her own country. The rulers of France breaks her people and yet I still love her. But England... I do not know.
Oh, I understand now. I had thought you were one of Napoleon's revolutionaries. You are from long after.
I sat in Louis' court for years as an ambassador between our countries. You see, France helped us win our independence from England and so, it was my honor to help support the French people's revolution from my position of political insight.
But then I was summoned back to the United States, where I ended up a secretary to our President - Washington, a great man whom words do no justice, albeit naive to the motivations of many in his cabinet. Once home I found that not only was I, it seemed, the only one interested in supporting France, everyone was quick to forget their favor to us in our time of need, and instead, were busy making peace with England.
Peace with England. An absurdity, though do not mistake me, I had no interest in more war. But I was horrified and disheartened to return home to find the revolutionary spirit of my friends and colleagues replaced by self preservation and conservatism. Shameful, truly.
Forgive me, I digress.
The heart of the mechanics of America's democratic republic are something to he aspired to. But it is such a fragile thing, and already we as a nation seem torn by ideals. I fear it is only a matter of time before we lose site of them completely.
Louis was a swine and his wife was a whore. [Well, Enjolras never did mince words.] They deserved their fates and I do not weep for them.
Beaunaparte? [Enjorlas mispronounces the name.] No, I am none of his. I admire the martyrs who have gone before me, in the terror and the three glorious days. But we have nut succeeded in making France what she can be.
Perhaps one day.
But, I hear stories of America sometimes. They say you have no king but a ruler chosen by the people. Tell me about that.
[He stiffles a laugh into his fist with a brief cough.] Yes, I'm afraid that while it would be expected of me to disagree with you, I am rather of the same opinion regarding his Highness. Or, well, his former Highness.
[Is that a smirk at the corner of his lips? Hmm...] I was eager to support the revolution but skeptical of the intentions of Napoleon himself.
I can only hope that the French people will achieve what they have long wanted, one day. As well, that the aspirations of the American Republic shall hold.
[A slight smile.] Yes, we have an elected leader chosen by the people. He is called the President. He has a close advisor called the Vice President whom is typically of differing political opinions and so helps to balance the President's actions and agenda - and ensure that even the minority of the population is represented. This is because he is usually affiliated with a different party than the President himself. A party is an organized group of men with a similar political vision and men from each party discuss their opinions amoungst each other, and whosoever the People feel represents their collective interests best is who they vote for. And of course, whoever has the majority vote becomes President.
I'm afraid I am so immersed in the nature of this that I am having difficulty discerning where to begin on how to explain it to someone wholly removed from it all. And there is so much more to it all.
If I may ask...is there an outcome you seek, in your support of this new French Revolution?
I do like the idea of the ruler being chosen by the people. But, tell me please, what happens after he is elected? Is there another election after he expires or do his children take over? How is the power taken back? You must think me ignorant, excuse me, Monsieur. But one must consider such matters, don't you agree?
I know the details of America's defiance, of the crippling taxes and the forced shortages, and I know of the measure to become your own country. But, my wish is not to build but to fix what is broken. I do not know if that makes it easier or more difficult.
My wish is simple, to see equality and justice. I am sure that with God on our side we can still find our way there.
I would not call you ignorant. Instead, I appreciate your curiosity as I happen to agree, one must consider such matters - and the pursuit of knowledge is man's greatest pursuit. I will do my best to explain as briefly as I can.
[He is easily exasperated but he rarely let's it show.] When his term is done - and he may not serve more than two elected terms of four years - another is elected by the people. Should he die in service, the Vice President would assume command. All are subject to something called impeachment - they are removed from office by the congress - a unit somewhat akin to parliament, but again, all elected, and each man a representative of any one state.
Regarding the overall government, at any time, if the people feel they are again being usurped of their rights by a newly masked form of tyranny, they have the declared right, by law, to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
[There is a moment in which someone perceptive might detect a flash of insecurity, as Thomas if very sensitive when bringing up anything he has written, but he pushes it back and resumes his calm, confident demeanor.]
I understand what you say, Monsieur. However, it simply seems easier said than done. Too easy for the ruler to choose not to leave when his term is finished. That is all. What provisions have been made for that?
How does the congress remove them? [But his expression is earnest interest, not doubt.]
It all sounds magnificent... idea... I'm afraid I don't understand how it works practically. I would like to. I believe the expression is 'easier said than done' may be fitting.
[French again, well spoken and educated. Except the voice is delicate and soft, and the young man looks down as he speaks.]
My mundane told me that you would like to speak to me, and that we have a lot in common. We both care about the rights of man, and the philosophy of the revolution, but we both also write poetry and tend gardens.
Well, I don't have a garden, only some flowers but still...
Anyway, excuse me. I know about the events of your life. I am honored, Monsieur, that you would consider speaking with me. I believe our revolution was important and of use, but not so successful as yours.
I look forward to hearing more about your actions, if you would be so inclined.
Oh, excuse me. My name is Jehan.
The Honorable and Esteemed, M-RMCC (sounds militant)
Oh! A pleasure sir. I was told similar details by my own. It is always a delight to meet a kindred spirit, Jehan. You may call me Thomas. [ He gives a polite bow, then extending his hand pleasantly. ]
Ah yes, I can hardly imagine the state a friend would find me in today if I did not have my books, my garden, and my home for which to retreat from time-to-time.
[A polite and full smile.] No one revolution is, on the whole scale of time, more or less important than another, I should think.
[With boyishly repressed enthusiasm-] Tell me Monsieur Jehan, do you like horses?
You might think differently if you saw ours. I am proud to have been among them, but I'm afraid our result offered little progress. I regret nothing about how I lived or died, but it would have been a comfort to know something had happened.
But since you bring it up, books are often gardens for the mind and soul, and gardens can give us stories that books cannot always do. Don't you find it so?
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no subject
Hello again, Sir. It is good to see you.
he's so moody.
I suppose, as the French say, C'est la vie.
It is certainly a pleasure to see you again, as well. I regret I was denied the opportunity to contribute the most at the prime of our former conversation. I can only hope such usurpations will not become commonplace.
I hardly wish to become freed from one tyrant only to be puppeteer-ed by another.
Re: he's so moody.
I understand that you are American. But, please tell me, I understand that America had it's own revolution, and the colonies separated from England. I know the name Washington but I'm sorry if I do not know a good deal more.
But I admire a colony that decides to be her own country. The rulers of France breaks her people and yet I still love her. But England... I do not know.
erm
:l
no subject
I sat in Louis' court for years as an ambassador between our countries. You see, France helped us win our independence from England and so, it was my honor to help support the French people's revolution from my position of political insight.
But then I was summoned back to the United States, where I ended up a secretary to our President - Washington, a great man whom words do no justice, albeit naive to the motivations of many in his cabinet. Once home I found that not only was I, it seemed, the only one interested in supporting France, everyone was quick to forget their favor to us in our time of need, and instead, were busy making peace with England.
Peace with England. An absurdity, though do not mistake me, I had no interest in more war. But I was horrified and disheartened to return home to find the revolutionary spirit of my friends and colleagues replaced by self preservation and conservatism. Shameful, truly.
Forgive me, I digress.
The heart of the mechanics of America's democratic republic are something to he aspired to. But it is such a fragile thing, and already we as a nation seem torn by ideals. I fear it is only a matter of time before we lose site of them completely.
Funnily enough he does that in the novel too
Beaunaparte? [Enjorlas mispronounces the name.] No, I am none of his. I admire the martyrs who have gone before me, in the terror and the three glorious days. But we have nut succeeded in making France what she can be.
Perhaps one day.
But, I hear stories of America sometimes. They say you have no king but a ruler chosen by the people. Tell me about that.
surprised he doesn't hate napoleon too
[Is that a smirk at the corner of his lips? Hmm...] I was eager to support the revolution but skeptical of the intentions of Napoleon himself.
I can only hope that the French people will achieve what they have long wanted, one day. As well, that the aspirations of the American Republic shall hold.
[A slight smile.] Yes, we have an elected leader chosen by the people. He is called the President. He has a close advisor called the Vice President whom is typically of differing political opinions and so helps to balance the President's actions and agenda - and ensure that even the minority of the population is represented. This is because he is usually affiliated with a different party than the President himself. A party is an organized group of men with a similar political vision and men from each party discuss their opinions amoungst each other, and whosoever the People feel represents their collective interests best is who they vote for. And of course, whoever has the majority vote becomes President.
I'm afraid I am so immersed in the nature of this that I am having difficulty discerning where to begin on how to explain it to someone wholly removed from it all. And there is so much more to it all.
If I may ask...is there an outcome you seek, in your support of this new French Revolution?
no subject
I know the details of America's defiance, of the crippling taxes and the forced shortages, and I know of the measure to become your own country. But, my wish is not to build but to fix what is broken. I do not know if that makes it easier or more difficult.
My wish is simple, to see equality and justice. I am sure that with God on our side we can still find our way there.
no subject
[He is easily exasperated but he rarely let's it show.] When his term is done - and he may not serve more than two elected terms of four years - another is elected by the people. Should he die in service, the Vice President would assume command. All are subject to something called impeachment - they are removed from office by the congress - a unit somewhat akin to parliament, but again, all elected, and each man a representative of any one state.
Regarding the overall government, at any time, if the people feel they are again being usurped of their rights by a newly masked form of tyranny, they have the declared right, by law, to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
[There is a moment in which someone perceptive might detect a flash of insecurity, as Thomas if very sensitive when bringing up anything he has written, but he pushes it back and resumes his calm, confident demeanor.]
no subject
How does the congress remove them? [But his expression is earnest interest, not doubt.]
It all sounds magnificent... idea... I'm afraid I don't understand how it works practically. I would like to. I believe the expression is 'easier said than done' may be fitting.
But it sounds like it could be perfection.
Have a Mr. Revolutionary McCutiepants
[French again, well spoken and educated. Except the voice is delicate and soft, and the young man looks down as he speaks.]
My mundane told me that you would like to speak to me, and that we have a lot in common. We both care about the rights of man, and the philosophy of the revolution, but we both also write poetry and tend gardens.
Well, I don't have a garden, only some flowers but still...
Anyway, excuse me. I know about the events of your life. I am honored, Monsieur, that you would consider speaking with me. I believe our revolution was important and of use, but not so successful as yours.
I look forward to hearing more about your actions, if you would be so inclined.
Oh, excuse me. My name is Jehan.
The Honorable and Esteemed, M-RMCC (sounds militant)
Ah yes, I can hardly imagine the state a friend would find me in today if I did not have my books, my garden, and my home for which to retreat from time-to-time.
[A polite and full smile.] No one revolution is, on the whole scale of time, more or less important than another, I should think.
[With boyishly repressed enthusiasm-] Tell me Monsieur Jehan, do you like horses?
no subject
But since you bring it up, books are often gardens for the mind and soul, and gardens can give us stories that books cannot always do. Don't you find it so?
As for horses well... I'm not sure. I suppose so.