Revolution (Hamilton)

Constitutional convention

1787

We have been arguing about the constitution for weeks on end now, Alexander has barely shut up, right now we are talking about the right to bear arms "The people need to be able to defend themselves" Alex screams at one of the people opposing the right to bear arms. "I agree that people need to be able to defend themselves, but against whom" I force myself into the argument between Alexander and Franklin. "Against invading forces for example" Alexander answers me, "How can we be sure people won't just use it on each other" I argue against him, "That's why we will have arms regulation" Alex argues back against me. "We must keep our eyes on the future, pistols have been developing rapidly and will continue to do so. Perhaps in the future, you won't need luck to kill someone, just a good aim" I argue against the guns, most men in the room even annoyed that I am talking at all. "We can't rely on ifs Deborah" Alexander answers annoyed, "The fact is that right now, it would be a good thing for people to bear arms" Alexander goes on, I shake my head and sit back down when almost everyone in the room agrees with Alexander.

"What about slaves and women" Madison asks, "I say we give everyone the same rights" I speak up, standing up. "Of course you do you are a woman" Franklin interferes condescendingly. "We can't just give slaves the same rights as everyone. The slave owners would riot" Madison thinks out loud "Yeah, but aren't all men created equal, why should these people be treated like dirt because of their skin colour" Alexander takes my side. "We can't make such a big change in the beginning years of our republic. We are too fragile, I say we debate about this again in 1808" Washington puts his input in, Alexander and I argue against it some more, but the majority votes to have this debate again in 1808, anger rising up in me when I think about how hard John would have fight besides us.

"What about women" I ask after we 'settled' on the slaves. "I think it is quite similar to the slaves" Madison says, making my blood boil some more. "And just like the slaves, we are human beings. We deserve to be treated as such" I argue, "You can't seriously think that women don't

deserve the same rights as men" I ask the men in the room. "Everyone knows women don't have the capacity to make rational decisions for themselves." Franklin argues against me, most men in the room nodding along with him. "So men should make the decisions for us, because we are apparently too incapable" I ask offended "That doesn't sound to bad, look honestly Deborah. You are different then other women, less emotional" Alexander inputs, I can't believe he just said that. "Really Alexander, I'm not like other women, I'm exactly like other women" I angrily reply. "

Women are owned by men right now. They get married off for money, raped and countless other things and yet they can't do anything about it because they don't own anything. They are owned" I argue passionately against Alexander. "You are all husbands, fathers and brothers correct" I ask the men in the room. Most of them nod reluctantly "Now imagine you daughters, wife, sisters and mothers are the ones we are talking about. Do you still think that they shouldn't get any rights, are you okay with your daughter getting owned by a man, who can do anything to her without any real consequences" I ask, looking Alexander in the eye when I talk about daughters. His violet-blue eyes looking away in uncomfort, obviously thinking about three year old Ann at home. "I for one will feel grateful my daughter will have someone who will take care of things for her" Madison speaks up again, somehow totally missing my fucking point. "Look honestly is it so bad, you are here and you seem like you are pretty equal to Hamilton" Franklin asks, from his chair. "Yes Franklin. It really is that bad, don't think for a second I haven't been treated like shit for being a woman" I spit angrily. "The only reason me and Alexander have such an equal relationship is because I made it very clear that if I weren't treated as such, I wouldn't be in a relationship with him" I look at Alexander, who smiles softly at me. "Furthermore on paper Alexander owns everything I have, so I'm not sure that is a valid argument. At the end of the day, it's your choice who you stand with. But know that if you stand for slavery and against equality you are standing on the wrong side of history" I close my part of discussion. In the end Alexander takes my side, but most men still stand against equal rights to my annoyance and anger.