On March 5, 1836, Col. William Barrett Travis called his troops together and informed them that they were unlikely to survive the upcoming battle and that the Mexican Army would not take any prisoners. Legend has it he drew a line in the sand and asked his troops to join him in opposing the Enemy and fighting to the last man. All but one soldier crossed the line. Jim Bowie had to be carried across. On March 6, 1836, the Alamo fell. There is still debate as to whether there were any survivors. In this instance, the line was used to recruit supporters to a cause. 

Oh, what a difference a couple of centuries make. All across the liberal spectrum wetbacks, sexual freaks, felons, and wannabe felons and communists of varying inclinations (Stalinist, Maoist, Marxists, and Nazis) are constantly drawing lines in the sand and daring their opponents to cross.

The difference is modern day travis wannabes use the line as a challenge, to dare somebody to disagree. They are amazed when people take them seriously and accept the dare. People seem to forget Thoreau went to jail in support of his convictions. His beef was that the law, as it was, existed in the first place, not the punishment set out in the law. (He was pissed that a supporter paid his fine and that the Sheriff wouldn’t keep him).

Part of drawing the line is getting the full ride, not just a chance to stand in line. Lines, these days, are meant to be snorted, not crossed.