Today’s reprint reminds me of the extreme Calvinists who were known as Puritans and their rebellion against the tyranny of Charles I which became the English Civil War.
Exile was considered as a solution when Charles I was overthrown, tried and convicted of treason. However, it was finally decided that it was safer to execute the tyrant-traitor than to send him into exile and risk his return.
After about ten years of republican rule, the English Monarchy was restored under Charles II who was succeeded by his brother James II who was soon considered a tyrant like his father. James II was indeed sent into exile following the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
I remember learning that lesson when I was a kid. We (my brother and I) went to my dad about something and he said “NO”. I responded “But we voted!!” Here’s were the lesson began, my dad’s response, “You are confused, this is not a democracy. It is a benevolent dictatorship, if you keep flapping your lip it will not be so benevolent.”
Easy answer Dad:" Calvin, your mother and I stand together. Any more talk of revolt and you will miss dinner and go straight to bed. And Hobbes will stay down here watching your favorite TV shows."
This brings up one of the saying I like to use, “The only bad thing about being dictator for life is the retirement plan.”
Of course the more brutal and correct answer for Calvin is to remind his dad, “You are going to be old and in a nursing home some day; do you want the good one or the bad one?”
BE THIS GUY almost 3 years ago
Who is getting exiled? Right now, exiling Calvin to military school is looking pretty good to Dad.
codycab almost 3 years ago
The only one who decides to become a parent is the parent him/her self.
Templo S.U.D. almost 3 years ago
How does a first grader know all this stuff when he dislikes school?
Renatus Profuturus Frigeridus Premium Member almost 3 years ago
I’d like to see Calvin in “Barbudos” clothes.
Concretionist almost 3 years ago
Yeah, Calvin CAN be pretty revolting…
Susan00100 almost 3 years ago
From that smug, “superior” look on Dad’s face, I’d say a revolt is imminent.
And, maybe, necessary.
hariseldon59 almost 3 years ago
I doubt he has impunity. It’s Mom who holds the real power.
rrogersthegreat almost 3 years ago
A benign dictator is a decent way to govern.
admiree2 almost 3 years ago
CALVIN, GET TO THE BARRICADES IN THE STREETS! (Use Les Miserables movie costuming as your guide for your street clothes.)
jagedlo almost 3 years ago
Better get with the first strike before the revolt happens, Dad!
flagmichael almost 3 years ago
Tonight’s bedtime story: Spartacus. The ending should impress him.
mindjob almost 3 years ago
Calvin will lead the mutiny
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Well Calvin, you are pretty revolting and if you were exiled Mom and Dad could make another kid, soooo I’m thinking it’s your move sparky.
Calvinist1966 almost 3 years ago
Today’s reprint reminds me of the extreme Calvinists who were known as Puritans and their rebellion against the tyranny of Charles I which became the English Civil War.
Exile was considered as a solution when Charles I was overthrown, tried and convicted of treason. However, it was finally decided that it was safer to execute the tyrant-traitor than to send him into exile and risk his return.
After about ten years of republican rule, the English Monarchy was restored under Charles II who was succeeded by his brother James II who was soon considered a tyrant like his father. James II was indeed sent into exile following the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
rebelstrike0 almost 3 years ago
Some dictator this dad is. He does not even know his own name!
Otis Rufus Driftwood almost 3 years ago
You just know Calvin would have been part of the January 6th riot. Which side is up for debate.
johndifool almost 3 years ago
I guess a strange woman in a pond who gave Dad a sword made him dictator for life.
kathleenhicks62 almost 3 years ago
Watch out Calvin you could be exiled to your room for life- – until 18 at any rate.
Gandalf almost 3 years ago
Exile is an option. If you don’t like the rules….
brick10 almost 3 years ago
As opposed to an amicable frank and open dialogue seeking consensus?
hagarthehorrible almost 3 years ago
In the last panel the ceiling drone view from top is as intriguing as this conversation is becoming.
Matt Gilbert Premium Member almost 3 years ago
A father has many stakeholders to answer to.
Bruce1253 almost 3 years ago
I remember learning that lesson when I was a kid. We (my brother and I) went to my dad about something and he said “NO”. I responded “But we voted!!” Here’s were the lesson began, my dad’s response, “You are confused, this is not a democracy. It is a benevolent dictatorship, if you keep flapping your lip it will not be so benevolent.”
Rauderi almost 3 years ago
Obligatory “Children are revolting!” joke here. =)
WCraft Premium Member almost 3 years ago
A classic strip showing the brilliance and creativity of Bill Watterson!
Redd Panda almost 3 years ago
This is what you get, when you let a kid go to the Library.
Plods with ...™ almost 3 years ago
More of a benevolent dictatorship
ron almost 3 years ago
Easy answer Dad:" Calvin, your mother and I stand together. Any more talk of revolt and you will miss dinner and go straight to bed. And Hobbes will stay down here watching your favorite TV shows."
Vandy almost 3 years ago
This brings up one of the saying I like to use, “The only bad thing about being dictator for life is the retirement plan.”
Of course the more brutal and correct answer for Calvin is to remind his dad, “You are going to be old and in a nursing home some day; do you want the good one or the bad one?”
Stephen Gilberg almost 3 years ago
Parents do not have total impunity, or there’d be no CPS. But that may have been less of a thing in the early ’90s.
schaefer jim almost 3 years ago
Way too much Fox news.
STEPUP almost 3 years ago
He doesn’t like authority, so at this point tell him ’it’s my way, or the highway!!’
Ray Helvy Premium Member over 2 years ago
Exile comes quicker than you think. And the strange thing is, you’ll look forward to it, and even enjoy it.