“If we are forced into war, we must give up political differences of opinion and unite as one man to defend our country.”
Monthly Archives: July 2006
On the right to vote:
Friday, July 28, 2006
On Thursday, July 27, President Bush signed the bill that extends the life of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, reaffirming the principle that all Americans should have the right to vote. Thomas Jefferson also talked about the importance of the right to vote for all citizens:
“The fool has as great a right to express his [...]
On amending the Constitution:
Thursday, July 27, 2006
In recent years, Congress has debated whether to try to amend the U.S. Constitution in order to address certain controversial issues, such as gay marriage and flag burning. Thomas Jefferson explained his views on when it is proper to consider amending the Constitution:
“I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws [...]
On remaining neutral in times of international conflict:
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
In Jefferson’s day, Europe was the hotspot of conflict. Today, it is the Middle East, but Jefferson’s preference for neutrality still makes sense:
“Believing that the happiness of mankind is best promoted by the useful pursuits of peace, that on these alone a stable prosperity can be founded, that the evils of war are great in [...]
On the use of financial aid rather than military might:
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Although Thomas Jefferson made this statement in regard to American Indian tribes that were fighting against white settlement, it is easy to see how his idea–winning the enemy over through mutual financial benefits rather than opposing them with military force–would still apply to dealings with potentially hostile foreign powers today:
“By pursuing a uniform course of [...]
On avoiding involvement in the problems of other nations:
Monday, July 24, 2006
Whenever the United States takes military or even diplomatic action to help foreign nations solve their problems, many Americans argue that we should remain neutral and not get involved in issues that don’t directly concern us. Thomas Jefferson, too, opposed unnecessary involvement in the problems of other nations:
“Friendship is but another name for an alliance [...]
On the proper way to treat prisoners of war:
Friday, July 21, 2006
Ever since the United States went to war in Iraq, there has been controversy both over the war itself and over the appropriate treatment of prisoners who are taken captive as part of the military action. Incidents at Abu Ghraib prison and at Guantanamo Bay have brought the issue of how to treat prisoners under [...]
On the possibility of too much immigration:
Thursday, July 20, 2006
In recent months, politicians have been fiercely debating the many issues related to immigration: how many immigrants should be allowed to enter the United States, which people should be allowed to stay, and what kinds of rights those who get here illegally should have. Although Thomas Jefferson generally advocated a broad acceptance of immigration, he [...]
On using war to try to convince other nations to adopt American ideals:
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
In Jefferson’s day, American politicians were hoping to make the nations of Europe more democratic. Today, the U.S. government is more often trying to encourage democracy in the Middle East, other parts of Asia, or Africa. In this 1811 quote, Jefferson warned that the use of violence is not the best way to convince other [...]
On going to war when necessary:
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
“It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.”