Protesting With the Pen, Part II

In my last entry we began examining the power of eloquent open letters written by American Muslims in opposition to some of President Trump's administration picks, and by Norman Ah-Sing during the gold rush criticizing the governor's wish to end Asian immigration to California.

Despite 164 years of separation, the letters share some common themes:

1. Both minority groups - Muslim and Chinese - were eager to tell their opposition how they embrace American values and therefor fit in with other Americans.
2. Both minority groups positively contribute to society by working in common, everyday occupations.

In this entry we continue with two more.

3. "We regret to inform you that you are misguided."

The American Muslims and Norman Ah-Sing voice their criticism in no uncertain terms.


American Muslims to President Trump in 2016:

"It is deeply concerning that you have announced the appointment of individuals to your upcoming Administration with a well documented history of outright bigotry directed at Muslims or advocating that Muslims should not have the same rights as their fellow Americans."

Norman Ah-Sing to Governor Bigler in 1852:

"You argue that this is a republic of a particular race—that the Constitution of the United States admits of no asylum to any other than the pale face. This proposition is false in the extreme, and you know it. . . . It is out of your power to say, however, in what way or to whom the doctrines of the Constitution shall apply."

President Trump and his adviser Steve Bannon. Photo: Breitbart

4. "But let's end on a good note."

The writers end on a note of optimism and hope to show that the future can be bright for all parties.


American Muslims to President Trump in 2016:

"We will raise our voices together with all Americans who share our concerns to protect these values. We wish you success in upholding our country's founding principles and for a future of progress for all Americans."

Norman Ah-Sing to Governor Bigler in 1852:

"But, for the present, I shall take leave of your Excellency, and shall resume this question upon another occasion which I hope you will take into consideration in a spirit of candor. . . . I have the honor to be your Excellency’s very obedient servant."

White and Chinese miners mining gold together in 1852. Photo: J.B. Starkweather 

And so the tradition of protest and resistance goes on.

If I have one hope for protesters and dissenters and either side of the political spectrum, it's that they channel their indignation and disgust into eloquent persuasions as these writers do here. Eschew the nasty "comment section" insults and bombast and instead channel Martin Luther King Jr., Siegfried Sassoon, the American Muslims and Norman Ah-Sing. Not only are they memorialized in history, but they personify the most famous line from Edward Bulwer-Lytton's 1839 play Richelieu:

True, This! —
Beneath the rule of men entirely great
The pen is mightier than the sword. Behold
The arch-enchanters wand! — itself is nothing! —
But taking sorcery from the master-hand
To paralyse the Cæsars, and to strike
The loud earth breathless! — Take away the sword —
States can be saved without it!

I am currently working on a book about Ah Toy, the first Chinese brothel madam in gold rush San Francisco.

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