Journal: Henry David Thoreau

Christine Sloss
English 48A  
Dr.Scott Lankford
October 26, 2011
Journal:Henry David Thoreau- Resistance to Civil Government

Author Quote: “How does it become a man to behave toward this American government today? I answer that he cannot without disgrace be associated with it. I cannot for an instant recognize that political organization as my government which is the slave’s government also.”

Internet Quote: He was bred to no profession; he never married; he lived alone; he never went to church; he never voted; he refused to pay a tax to the State: he ate no flesh, he drank no wine, he never knew the use of tobacco; and, though a naturalist, he used neither trap nor gun. He chose, wisely, no doubt, for himself, to be the bachelor of thought and Nature. He had no talent for wealth, and knew how to be poor without the least hint of squalor or inelegance.

Brief summary of what the author is saying in your own words: Henry Thoreau has an interesting perspective of life, his claims about tax-resister and civil disobedience makes a lot to since. As a civilian living in America you assume you have basic privileges, and certain responsibilities. Thoreau defends that it is a free country and if you are not using the privileges of the state, you are not obligated to take on the responsibilities, such as paying taxes. He was a life long abolitionist of slavery and lectured in such a way to influence peoples thoughts and action for generations towards the fight against slavery. Thoreau passion for the environment and for fairness of living captures the readers attention, provoking the reader into self-reflections and study of the current state of living. His simple life, helps others realize what is truly necessary to live and the benefits of savoring the simplicity of life. without the involvement of a governing jurisdiction

My thoughts: When Thoreau was living on his own on Walden pond for two years, two months and two days, I can understand his point and frustration in regards to being asked to pay 9 shillings tax to the government. For what? For war? For slavery? For the duration he called this place his home, he didn’t use outside source. I found it odd that even though he was on Emerson’s land, they made a point of trying to get taxes from him, maybe they should call it “existence Tax”. Thoreau had good intentions and felt with every fiber of his soul, he did not want to support a government that supports Slavery. I feel his pain, where does our tax dollars go? Do they go where I would want them to go? Does the government really take care of our in needs? The Government receives our tax dollars, yet they are over budget, which mean mediocre service, and minimal support for schools, social services, medical, food, shelter. For the size of economy and government we should be able provided so much more. Ideally if we treated America like a business we would need to down size, lay off non-crucial staff, salary cut for all the head of office, pay off our national debt, redesign our business plan and forecast a time line for rebuilding. Currently it would be a poor investment to continue in foreign disputes, it is time to refocus on investing in our infrastructure, every time our country goes to war it sends the national debt sky high. I understand how Thoreau essay evoked people like Gandhi and King in their times of struggle against the governments. We currently have a sit-in on Wall Street, protesting for the 99%, the demonstration has lots of different voices, issues, etc. What the protest needs is a voice like Thoreau to unite them and get the movement in motion. When I think of Thoreau and of the protester I wonder can a government, and the 1% voting majority get so large that views and concerns of the 99% become over shadowed? Can the government debt become so heavy it collapses like the country of Greece? I think today Thoreau would be acting more like John Brown, (Yeah he would be helpful too) but for now I will think like Emerson and be self-reliant.