The purpose of the 'Olive Branch Petition' was so that the colonists attempted to declare their rights while remaing loyal to the British. That attempt failed because King George rejected it. That caused the Americans to do something that the British would not like and it was rebellion. The British began recognizing the Americans as traitors. The similarities between the sentiments in the 'Olive Branch Petition' and sentiments articulated by critics of government in the present day are that the people feel like their rights are getting taken away. The people will not let their rights get taken away.