In "Exceptions to Their Rule," Rick Sloan invites readers to embark on a journey back to a world dominated by the iron grip of autocrats. From 1420 to 1620, monarchs, popes, and cardinals, driven by greed and lust for power, left a trail of destruction, decimating indigenous cultures across five continents. But amidst the chaos and devastation, two cultures-the Basques and the Wabanaki-emerged as beacons of hope, embodying the ideals of democracy and self-governance.
The Basques, valiant warriors of their rights, shattered the stone fortresses of autocrats, nurturing a culture that prioritized universal nobility and self-rule. The Wabanaki-Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot-nurtured a cosmology that saw the divine in all things, fostering a society rooted in peace, sharing, and mutual respect.
Sloan presents the fascinating interaction between these two cultures, united in their pursuits of sustainable industry-fishing, whaling, fur trading-and mutual understanding. This extraordinary alliance stands as a testament to the power of cooperation, respect, and common sense, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a path not taken.
Yet, these democratic shoots were fragile, ultimately overshadowed by the might of autocratic forces. "Exceptions to Their Rule" is a compelling tribute to the resilience of the Basques and Wabanaki, reminding us of the enduring struggle between democracy and autocracy and the profound lessons we can learn from history.
