Well, now... you've got your way at last, Mr. Adams. The matter may now be discussed. I...

John Dickinson: Well, now... you've got your way at last, Mr. Adams. The matter may now be discussed. I confess, I'm almost relieved. There's a question I've been fairly itching to ask you. [crosses the room and stands directly over Adams] John Dickinson: Why? John Adams: Why what, Mr. Dickinson? John Dickinson: Well, why independence, Mr. Adams? John Adams: Well, for the obvious reason that our continued association with Great Britain has grown intolerable. John Dickinson: Well, to whom, Mr. Adams? To you? Well, then I suggest you sever your ties immediately. But please, be kind enough to leave the rest of us where we are. For myself, I have no objection of all to being part of the greatest empire on Earth, to enjoying its protections and sharing its benefits. John Adams: Benefits? What benefits? Crippling taxes? Cruel repressions? Abolished rights? John Dickinson: Is that all England means to you, sir? Is that all the pride and affection you can muster for the nation that bore you? For the noblest, most civilized nation on the face of this planet? Well, would you have us forsake Hastings and Magna Carta, Strongbow and Lionheart, Drake and Marlborough, Tudors, Stuarts and Plantagenets? For what, sir? Well, tell me. For what? For you? Some men are patriots, like General Washington, and some are anarchists, like Mr. Paine. Some even are internationalists, like Dr. Franklin. But you, sir... you are merely an agitator, disturbing the peace, endangering the public welfare. And for what? Your petty little personal complaints. Your taxes are too high. Well, sir, so are mine. Come, come, Mr. Adams, if you have grievances - and I'm sure you have - our present system must provide a gentler means of redressing them short of revolution. Yes, that's what he wants. Nothing less will satisfy him. Violence. Rebellion. *Treason*. Now, Mr. Adams, are these the acts of Englishmen? John Adams: Not Englishmen, Dickinson. Americans.