Benjamin Franklin complained, "Let the smaller Colonies give equal money and men, and then have an equal vote. But if they have an equal vote without bearing equal burthens, a confederation upon such iniquitous principles will never last long." Franklin was talking about the Articles of Confederation, and I never thought about it that way!
I agree; isn't that neat! Equal responsibility, equal freedom. One doesn't come without the other, whether in a country or a family. ;)
Yes, Benjamin Franklin's statement about equal money, men, and votes in the context of the Articles of Confederation is indeed thought-provoking. It highlights the principle of equal responsibility that Franklin believed was necessary for a stable confederation.
To understand Franklin's statement better, let's break it down:
1. "Let the smaller Colonies give equal money and men": Franklin is suggesting that smaller colonies should contribute resources, both financial and human, on par with their larger counterparts. This implies that equal commitment is essential for maintaining a fair and balanced confederation.
2. "And then have an equal vote": Franklin argues that equal contributions should be followed by equal voting rights. In other words, if all colonies contribute equally, they should have an equal say in decision-making processes. This ensures that no colony has an unfair advantage over the others in terms of political influence.
3. "But if they have an equal vote without bearing equal burthens, a confederation upon such iniquitous principles will never last long": Franklin warns that if smaller colonies are given an equal vote without shouldering equal burdens (in this case, contributing proportionately to the resources and responsibilities), then the confederation formed on such unfair principles would not be sustainable in the long run.
Franklin's viewpoint can be related to the concept of fairness and balance in various aspects of life, such as in relationships, organizations, or societies. It suggests that for any system to function harmoniously, the distribution of rights and responsibilities should align with each other.
Indeed, equal responsibility and equal freedom go hand in hand. It is through acknowledging and upholding this principle that a fair and lasting confederation, or any other form of cooperation, can be achieved.