Edmund Burke was a genius

I haven’t even read one-fifth of his speech yet, but already I am impressed by Burke’s skill. Following his suggestion of a solution, he proceeded to talk about how the Minister had screwed up in his execution of administering and repealing the American taxes. Everybody knew it, it was no mystery to the Parliament who was at fault. However, Edmund did not continue forward and bash the Minister. Instead, he masterfully explained that essentially, he was there to help the Minister save face. “Most men, especially great men, do not always know their well-wishers. I come to rescue that Noble Lord out of the hands of those he calls his friends; and even out of his own. I will do him the justice he is denied at home. He has not been this wicked or imprudent man. He knew that a repeal had no tendency to produce the mischiefs which give so much alarm to his Honourable friend. His work was not bad in its principle, but imperfect in its execution.” With that paragraph, he just got the powerful ally of the Minister on his side. I am very impressed with Burke’s progress so far in his speech and look forward to continuing reading.

How to speak like a vulture – An analysis of Edmund Burke’s speech on American Taxation

Even as we open up in the Burke’s speech, its obvious that the good folks in the Parliament are sick and tired of talking about the Americans’ complaints about taxes. This topic had come up a good many times in their meetings, and at this point the members had taken to walking off to the adjoining rooms for refreshments instead of taking part in the conversation. Burke knew that it was about time to get these men excited, engaged, and interested, so he first addresses what they’re all thinking, “For nine long years, session after session, we have been lashed round and round this miserable circle of occasional arguments and temporary expedients. I am sure our heads must turn, and our stomachs nauseate with them. We have had them in every shape; we have looked at them in every point of view. Invention is exhausted; reason is fatigued; experience has given judgement; but obstinacy is not yet conquered.” The only reasonable response to such a thing is “Well Mr. Burke, what do you plan to do about it?” This is what Burke wanted, and he played it perfectly. He said what they were all thinking and expressing in a way that suggested that he had a brilliant solution to it. That is a great example of how to pay attention to your surroundings and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you.