Rebellion is what built America summary

Thesis: You are not what democracy counts on, you are what democracy is, so quit complaining and fight for your rights.

In the chapter "Rebellion is what built America" by Jim Hightower, rebellion is looked at as a good thing every now and then. Hightower talks about a lot of different people who fought for their rights, but didn't see justice served. Even if it was eventually served, they weren't alive to see it happen. For example: Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, Sojourner Truth, Sarah and Angelina Grimke, Elizabeth Cady Stranton, Lucretia Mott, and others who fought for women's voting rights. Not one of these woman lived to actually get to vote, and yet we are benefiting today for their search for justice back then. Although it is unfair for them, they fought for their country instead of complaining. That was one of the first points Jim Hightower makes in the chapter.Jan Jarboe Russell, who has a "dog of a morning" and a woman complaining during a Q&A period at one of Jim's speeches, are both complaining about something. Durning that period, the woman is talking about "the way it used to be" and says how she wants her country back. Jan Russell simply could not get out of bed because she was in a "funk" until she was complaining and go cut off by Maury Maverick who was telling her to "stop bellyaching and go do something brave for your country." This is what the author means by rebellion- to stop complaining, and fight for what you want, and Hightower gives many examples throughout the chapter. Complaining would be the normal thing to do, so have a little rebellion, that is the point he is trying to get across.