The actual Declaration of Independence
The U.S. Constitution
Hi all,
Today is the 4th of July. Independence Day! The 231st anniversary of that moment when a dedicated group of men put their pen to the Declaration of Independence, and started this cultural adventure that we call America. Now, I was going to launch a missive about politics, our early history, and the current state of affairs in our country, but to tell the truth, the words just wouldn’t flow, so I am throwing in the towel and just going to write a short note and include some pictures from our visit to the National Archives in Washington, DC last April.
Today is the 4th of July. Independence Day! The 231st anniversary of that moment when a dedicated group of men put their pen to the Declaration of Independence, and started this cultural adventure that we call America. Now, I was going to launch a missive about politics, our early history, and the current state of affairs in our country, but to tell the truth, the words just wouldn’t flow, so I am throwing in the towel and just going to write a short note and include some pictures from our visit to the National Archives in Washington, DC last April.
The National Archives
One question seems to always come up; is our country what Jefferson and the rest of the founding fathers imagined? Is it what Madison envisioned when he wrote the Federalist Papers in 1787, writing: “No happiness without liberty, no liberty without self-government, no self-government without constitutionalism, no constitutionalism without morality-and none of these great goods without stability and order.”
It’s hard to say what the 200-year vision for the country was at the time. But for my money, I expect that in some ways our country is EXACTLY as the founding fathers envisioned it. Independent, free, not without fault, and definitely not perfect.
It’s hard to say what the 200-year vision for the country was at the time. But for my money, I expect that in some ways our country is EXACTLY as the founding fathers envisioned it. Independent, free, not without fault, and definitely not perfect.
Happy 4th to you all.
Jim
1 comment:
Dad,
Some thoughts on the three authors of The Federalist Papers:
Madison would be rolling in his grave, especially on state's rights vs federal power issues.
Hamilton would be somewhat happy about the state of the US Treasury. He would also appreciate the Federal Reserve. He initially suggested a central banking system prior to the Declaration! Economically this country has gone as Hamilton and even Adam Smith predicted.
Jay would have some mixed feelings about the Supreme Court. I think he's like some of their larger decisions; and not like how justices have been brought into politics.
Just a few thoughts....
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