Many people today would argue that a lot has changed in the two hundred years since Thomas Jefferson wrote to John Rutledge, Jr., praising the modesty of the American character:
“There is a modesty often which does itself injury. Our countrymen possess this. They do not know their own superiority.”
In our own time, it would be [...]
Monthly Archives: October 2006
On the United States as the World’s Police Force
Monday, October 9, 2006
On the ability of an informed public to hold the government in check:
Friday, October 6, 2006
According to an AP-Ipsos poll, about half of voters said that news of the Foley scandal will be very influential as they cast their votes in next month’s elections. The widespread public outcry sparked by the scandal is an excellent example of Thomas Jefferson’s trust in the people to keep the government in check:
“Whenever [...]
On stopping encroachment by other nations:
Thursday, October 5, 2006
As North Korea threatens to test nuclear weapons, its neighbors are scrambling to find a way to force North Korea to cease its weapons development program. For now, Russia and South Korea are using diplomatic tactics to try to influence North Korea. In this quote, Thomas Jefferson discusses the dangers of encroachment by other nations [...]
On using caution in allowing immigration:
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
In recent days, the Department of Homeland Security has been cracking down on illegal immigrants, flushing them out of places such as Stillmore, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Although he generally supported widespread immigration, Thomas Jefferson also warned of some of its dangers:
“The first consideration in immigration is the welfare of the receiving nation. . [...]
On religious differences:
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
“Is uniformity attainable? Millions of innocent men, women and children since the introduction of Christianity have been burnt, tortured, fined and imprisoned, yet we have not advanced one inch toward uniformity.”
On the importance of farmers and agriculture:
Monday, October 2, 2006
“Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country, and wedded to its liberty and interests, by the most lasting bonds. As long, therefore, as they can find employment in this line, I would not convert them [...]