On this day in 1775, during the Siege of Boston, the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought — and lost — by a collection of New England militias and British Regulars who had occupied Boston. As schoolchildren we learn about the battle, and then later we learn that it didn’t take place on Bunker Hill at all, but on nearby Breed’s Hill. It wasn’t a victory of the American side — in fact, the colonist’s lost 2 of their most able commanders at the time, and the troops were dispersed and fled. So what was so important about the battle that as Americans we attach so much importance to it?
The answer is twofold: one historical, and one moral.
Historically the Battle of Bunker Hill marked an initial turning point in the mindset of the participants in what would become the American Revolution. The British had assumed that the armed colonists would pose them no military threat and were suprised at the stiffness of the resistance they faced. As a matter of fact, General Gage, the British commander immediately sent for reinforcements in the form of Hessian mercenaries to bolster his numbers on the ground.
On the American side, the skirmish resounded all around the Colonies with the understanding emerging that “we can stand up to the British.” In a single battle, the potential Revolution went from a local matter to a national one. There was a coming together in thinking that if a small band of ragtags could admirably stand against the world’s best military and, not win, but at least survive, then maybe the cause was something to consider.
Morally, I think Bunker Hill teaches us a lesson that we too soon forget. When the odds are stacked against us, when the victory seems impossible, when the fight doesn’t seem worth it, you still make a stand. You make a stand because its a valuable thing to do. You make a stand because of what it teaches you, and others. You make a stand.
In today’s world, with insane politics, corrupt business dealings, and odds stacked ever against us, making a stand is sometimes all we have left. Standing up in a local City Council or School Board meeting and calling their actions to account in public, with no hope at all of reversing the decision is making a stand. Letting companies know that their prices have risen too far, and that more affordable options must be made available or that you’ll take your business elsewhere is making a stand. Standing in front of a tank in Tienneman Square is making a stand. Withdrawing all support from a family member who takes advantage of every option to manipulate favor and funds is making a stand.
Most importantly, making a stand where you take the shots, dodge the bullets, and keep your eye on what is morally right signals to others that they are not alone in their thinking. It’s waving a banner that says “There are others who think like you, feel like you, and act like you haven’t yet. Join us!”
Making a stand isn’t an exclusively American proposition, but being an American without taking a stand is a contradiction in terms. We speak truth to power. We do justice thought the heavens fall. We let our fellows know where to find us in the thick of the battle. We make a stand.
“Shared ideas are the ones that get done.”
—Chris Voss
Economics always say demographics is destiny. College football coaches know that recruiting is destiny. Now we are living at a time when both of these ideas cross-polinate.
Where people reside is where energy, focus, and investment follow. Cities that understand this deploy resources into making themselves attractive to all generations, all strata of society. You can’t build a city that attracts only homeless people (look at you San Fran), nor a community that only attracts millionaires with no one left to do the actual work of mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool, etc (eyes on you Alys Beach). You have to attract all sorts, and then keep them there.
The 2008 housing crisis set in motion a trend that grew steadily over the following several years and accelerated mighily during the COVID pandemic shutdown: relocation. Many families who bought and subsequently lost homes were free to pick up and move anywhere that jobs were plentiful and pay was high. This mostly meant coastal cities which have increased in population to the detriment of regional capitals and rural areas.
With the recent runup in real estate prices, and the more pronounced policy discussions around lockdowns and other politically charged mandates, many Americans are leaving larger cities and states, especially on the coasts, for smaller spots across the US. California lost more 350,000 people between 2021 and 2022, and New Yorkers put up similar numbers as residents were priced out of cost-of-living.
Now, those cities who have recognized the warning signs and can see what the future looks like with less taxpayers are taking it on themselves to pay people to move to their locale. Tulsa, Oklahoma, for example, will pay you $10,000 to relocate to a place where the cost of living can be less than 1/3 the cost of New York. Columbus, Georgia will pay you $5,000 and give you a year’s membership to a co-working space to use as an office. The State of West Virginia will pay you $10,000 doled out over 2 years and includes gym memberships, coworking space, and access to an online community for relocators.
“Do your thinking independently. Be the chess player, not the chess piece.”
Ralph Charell
Sir Henry Ponsonby (1825-1895) was a distinguished British soldier and royal courtier, best known for his long and dedicated service as Private Secretary to Queen Victoria. Born into a prominent family, Ponsonby attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and embarked on a military career that saw him serve with distinction in the Crimean War. His administrative acumen and loyalty to the Crown led to his appointment as Private Secretary to the Queen in 1870, a position he held for over two decades. During his tenure, he became a trusted confidant and advisor to the monarch, navigating the complexities of court politics and managing the Queen's extensive correspondence with efficiency and discretion.
Ponsonby's influence extended beyond his official duties, as he played a significant role in the domestic and international affairs of the time. He was instrumental in maintaining the smooth operation of the royal household and was deeply involved in the management of Queen Victoria's public image. His efforts were crucial in fostering a sense of stability and continuity within the monarchy during a period of significant social and political change. Knighted for his services, Sir Henry Ponsonby was remembered as a paragon of Victorian public service, whose dedication and integrity left an indelible mark on the British royal tradition.
Once when Ponsonby had been dismissed for the day and had retired to his quarters for the evening, an idea came to the Queen and she dispatched a footman to summon Ponsonby back into the Presence for some additional instructions. The footman knocked on the door to Ponsonby’s apartment in Buckingham Palance, opened it only to find Ponsonby lying on his back in a smoking jacket, having a cigarette and blowing the smoke up the chimney. You see, he knew that the Queen hated smoking, couldn’t stand to smell it on someone’s clothes and althought it was an entirely unlikely scenario that he was to be called on to attend Her Majesty, he still had the deference and presence of mind to amend his habits to her liking.
I think about this alot. Our definition of service very rarely includes deference to another’s preferences. What a world it would be if we all — at least metaphorically — put the needs AND wants of others ahead of our own.