It would be easy to assume that the open letter is a symptom of the Internet age. Such is not the case. In 1774, Benjamin Franklin wrote an open letter to the prime minister of Great Britain, Lord North - a satirical call for the imposition of martial law in the colonies.

Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay

Age Assume Benjamin Franklin Britain Call Case Colonies Easy Franklin Great Great Britain Imposition Internet Law Letter Lord Martial Minister North Open Prime Prime Minister Satirical Symptom Would Wrote

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