Years before the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson penned an essay he called A Summary View of the Rights of British America. He did so while eating fresh cucumbers and lettuce. After finishing, he was on his way to deliver it in Williamsburg, but those cukes got to him and he had to suspend his trip and spend most of the next day or so in the loo. But his essay continued its trip and once it arrived, it became the equivalent of what today would be called a viral tweet. No less a person than George Washington spent 3 shillings for several copies. Though I care little for Jefferson the man, his words are another story. They ring just as true today as they did ion 1774.
Let those flatter who fear; it is not an American art. To give praise which is not due might be well from the venal, but would ill beseem those who are asserting the rights of human nature. They know, and will therefore say, that kings are the servants, not the proprietors of the people. ... The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest. Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.
A good leader surrounds himself with those willing to speak truth to power, not lemmings.
Were you referring to McClure?
ReplyDeleteThank you for finally speaking out against Zrinski!
ReplyDeleteWhat’s your problem with Jefferson?
ReplyDeleteRead Chernow's Washington or Hamilton and you'll see why. Even Meacham, who did his best to write a sympathetic bio, was unable to hide the fact that Jefferson was a snake who engaged who really could never be trusted as a man. He even attempted to seduce his best friend's wife. Yes, he was brilliant. Yes, his writing was magnificent. But as a person, I'd never trust him.
DeleteJefferson lost me when he changed Locke's "pursuit of property" to the wishy-washy, meaningless, "pursuit of happiness." His writing was dreck.
ReplyDelete