Chris,

Respectfully, I have to ask where you find this right to fight for "independence"?

The North American Colonists went to great lengths to justify themselves, but it was (probably) a case of first impression.

Not to drift out of the period, but one must (I believe) recognize that there is still no generally accepted recognition of such a right without the potential of "unmitigated reprisals". Lately, we condemn crimes against "humanity" and "genocide"; but are sloth-like to moblize against them.