The game of life; and truth.

Today I was reading U.S. History; specifically the life and impact of the figure John Brown in the 1850's. Depending on the source of said 'History' one can get some varying view points. This makes it all the more crucial to try and research all sides of the story: Inside and out!

Why is it in life we get various takes on Truth? Can't there be only one TRUTH?
John Brown seems to be one person who was honest in nearly all he did; sometimes brutally so. He didn't answer to anyone but his own soul and that of the needs of his family. He placed an an oath to defend the rights of the enslaved; both Negroes and Whites - he was not discriminatory in this.

Some 'historians and journalists' claim he was a terrorist. I will give in to an Anarchist label for him, but terrorist? please...labels aside, this man was acting on the side of honor; had pushed himself to the extreme to defend the rights of others. This in my view is the noblest of endeavours. John Brown felt his hand forced to deliver justice; after civil obedience went no-where fast, he decided this movement needed action. This also came at the cost of violence, of his own doing and that of the pro-Slavery movement (aka "border ruffians".)

All in all, the deaths of men were directly linked to the cause of freedom for slaves on one side; and the pro-slavery state on the other. What seems ideally 'wrong' with this comparison? John Brown was tried and hung for Treason and Murder; but those who defended pro-slavery (general injustices of murder, robbery, kidnapping and the like) are on the side of the law? This is not meant to lighten the cost of any life, but to ask the question: Who is has committed the treasonous act in this case? (Research "Bleeding Kansas" and "Harper's Ferry" for more info on details of skirmishes)

Thoreau seems to sum up the the spirit of John Brown in his essay "A Plea for John Brown" (from Gutenberg Project):
The only government that I recognize,--and it matters not how few
are at the head of it, or how small its army,--is that power that
establishes justice in the land, never that which establishes
injustice. What shall we think of a government to which all the
truly brave and just men in the land are enemies, standing between
it and those whom it oppresses? A government that pretends to be
Christian and crucifies a million Christs every day!

I'm not attempting to glorify John Brown, although I think he was a noble and truthful person from what I've read. My attempt here is to show the fact that many attempts have been and continue to be cast toward "Evil" on noble men and their endeavors. This is especially true when these hit on a major vein regarding the stability of government, rule, or justice.

With the current state of world politics, economy, governments, figureheads, and elections in full swing...
How many truths are there? "Truth is one, paths are many" - Swami Satchidinanda

Be brave and noble, start your path now.

-Enjoy
JB