General Discussion

the 'Boston Tea Party' was the actions of a gang of (most likely drunken) loutish thugs - was generally seen so at the times - and was only later polished up and papered over with the shiny veneer of 'glorious revolution'.

And, again - you reach into the bag for, 'one thing not AS bad as the other' to provide moral justification and cover. While I am saying neither is okay. And it is precisely that kind of 'fuzzy' moral dualism - that ultimately results in us justifying (read rationalizing) actions that are well outside the bounds of ethical or moral.

But, again, you're so right - torching and burning things (damaging property), certainly takes on an entirely different complexion - when the mob is moving down your street - and nearing your house.