17761972

Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
We've no choice, John. The slavery clause has got to go.

John Adams:
[stunned] Franklin, what are you saying?

Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
It's a luxury we can't afford.

John Adams:
[pause, then] 'Luxury?' A half million souls in chains... and Dr. Franklin calls it a 'luxury!' Maybe you should have walked out with the South!

Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
[dangerous] You forget yourself sir. I founded the FIRST anti-slavery society on this continent.

John Adams:
Oh, don't wave your credentials at me! Maybe it's time you had them renewed!

Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
[angrily] The issue here is independence! Maybe you have forgotten that fact, but I have not! How DARE you jeopardize our cause, when we've come so far? These men, no matter how much we may disagree with them, are not ribbon clerks to be ordered about - they are proud, accomplished men, the cream of their colonies. And whether you like them or not, they and the people they represent will be part of this new nation that YOU hope to create. Now, either learn how to live with them, or pack up and go home! [pause, then] In any case, stop acting like a Boston fishwife.