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The signers of the Declaration of Independence were all wealthy men, largely physicians, lawyers, and merchants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signing_of_the_United_States_De...

The common people of the colonies were likely in a situation very similar to where ordinary citizens today are when deciding between Google/FB/etc. and the NSA. Distrustful of both sides, but more inclined to go with the weaker of them, because then they'd be less fucked over.

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> Distrustful of both sides, but more inclined to go with the weaker of them

Well, globally weaker and more locally powerful. Strength probably wasn't the decision criteria at all for those who chose the rebel side, it was probably perceived accountability: the local governments that were represented by the signers and which revolted were all accountable to the local population, the British government was not.

Wasn't President John Adams the defense lawyer representing the British Soldiers at the Boston Massacre?

He was.

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