Friday, March 7, 2014


       
Civil Disobedience

       “Civil Disobedience” is a selection that analyzes the true relationship between man and the government or state. Thoreau, the author, opens up the selection by mentioning that the best government is the one that governs least. Many citizens blindly follow the government’s laws. Only minorities follow their conscience. Thoreau claims that one’s conscience is the most compelling force to fight to create a more just government. He supported his claim by mentioning the Mexican War. Many citizens had approved to this war not realizing the truth behind it. This war increased the slaver, the reason why Thoreau had protested, in America. A man with true moral wouldn't approve on such war. Another mean through which the citizens support the unjust government is by the taxes. Paying the hated poll taxes would give the government more money, therefore, more support. Thoreau himself didn't pay the taxes and was eventually imprisoned. But for him, if prison is where true men are to be placed, then prison it is. One should fight for what he or she believes is injustice ; that’s when civil disobedience is justified.