As I wrote my piece on Wokism, I stumbled on a quote from Algernon Sidney. Few know that Jefferson mentioned Sidney as a source and/or inspiration for the Declaration of Independence. Here is the quote which resonated with me: "We live in an age that makes truth pass for treason, and as I dare not say anything against it, so the ears of those that are about me will probably be found too tender to hear it. This my trial and condemnation do sufficiently evidence." It can hardly be more true today, as "credible" news sources spread lies masquerading as truth based on nothing other than these sources own claim that they, themselves, are "credible." Credibility is in the information, not the source - and we have precious few truly credible sources of news today.
Sidney was a supporter of the Roundheads during the English Civil War, and a member of the Long Parliament. Despite his opposition to the king and support for the forces opposing him, Cromwell found it necessary to have Sidney removed, as Sidney had become critical of Cromwell's authoritarian nature. His refusal to leave his seat led to Cromwell ordering the parliamentarians removal and Sidney fled England.
Sidney survived several attempts on his life and was able to return to England with the restoration of the monarchy. Sidney was not opposed to monarchy, per se. He pointed out the nature of governance has less to do with the system, but rather how it was applied. As such, he was an unrepentant supporter of the right of the people to engage revolution, when necessary. If nothing else, he was a proponent of free speech.
He wrote Discourses Concerning Government, describing his views of representative government, and how people should be led. Discourses was meant as a rebuttal to the belief (at the time, put forward by Robert Filmer) that monarchy was a "natural" form of government.
Eventually, Charles II determined he had to remove those who represented a 'threat'. Sidney was arrested and his Discourses were found. Sidney pointed out they were not for publication, only personal use. Nonetheless, he was tried for treason. Treason required 2 witnesses willing to state the accused behaved in a treasonous fashion. There was only one witness, so the judge ruled the writings in Discourses would be the second witness.
The quote I mentioned was made just before he was beheaded.
Sidney may not have been a great promoter of democratic or even republican principles. But he was certain that people deserved a government which existed at their consent, rather than having to exist at the consent of the state. Sadly, many in our current times have no understanding of this nuance, seeking to increase the power of the state to 'achieve goals' which they deem popular, necessary, or desirable. Sidney watched these crowds roving through most of his adult life, and eventually was done in by them.
