The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”
Both of Jefferson’s famous quotes about Shays’ Rebellion are still frequently cited by people who are “mad as hell” about something the government has done.
Today, relatively few people actually believe that the sentiments Jefferson expressed should be interpreted and acted out literally, through a violent revolution.
Some anti-gun control protesters who carry signs referring to Jefferson’s “tree of liberty” quote apparently do.