The Outlaw Jesse James’ School of Political Popularity

The other night, I took in PBS’s American Experience rendition of the story of Jesse James.  During the program, historian Kathy Jackson made the following remark regarding James’ success in rallying public opinion to his cause.

If you’re going to be an outlaw, what better way to escape the law and get people to help you than to have them believe that you’re doing it for them. For a greater good.

There’s a lesson that has not been lost on the seekers of political power and popularity.

Jesse James transcript.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 02/02 at 09:50 AM

  1. “have them believe that you’re doing it for them.”  Sounds like hope and change.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  02/02  at  11:40 AM

  2. Yes, there is no shortage of gullible, lazy idiots running loose. Time for a culling.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  02/04  at  04:08 PM

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