Important historical figure speaks out against Bushes!

[Atman]

"There is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talents... There is also an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents; for with these it would belong to the first class. The natural aristocracy I consider as the most precious gift of nature for the instruction, the trusts, and government of society. And, indeed, it would have been inconsistent in creation to have formed man for the social state and not to have provided virtue and wisdom enough to manage the concerns of the society. May we not even say that that form of government is the best which provides the most effectually for a pure selection of these natural aristoi into the offices of government? The artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government, and provision should be made to prevent its ascendency." --Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1813. ME 13:396

[SlavesandBulldozers]

1. gotta love Jefferson

"The artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government, and provision should be made to prevent its ascendency"

too late!

[DeepModem Mom]

2. What a great quotation from my avatar -- thanks, Atman!

[nostamj]

3. "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism"

my favorite TJ quote. (I'm actually related to his brother on my maternal grandmother's side)

"without virtue or talents" - just read AMERICAN DYNASTY if you doubt that in regards to the bushies



from my 'mugs for liberals'

[Bandit]

4. Tom Jefferson and Jesus are the two most ignored persons by the GOP

They claim to love them both but do the opposite of what they say.

[NashVegas]

5. Here's the Trouble

Jefferson's "natural aristocracy," even without dynastic interference, gets over-ridden by those with a greater talent for self-promotion than real contribution.

We like our politicians corrupt, at least a little. Let's say I'm a businessman with more connections and money than virtue and talent. The leader I'm going to back is the one who's going to do me favors. I want someone who's going to at least appear virtuous, the better chance for 'em to get elected. But I don't want one who's so virtuous they'll say 'no' to me.

It's a downer. Jefferson's piece is the ideal, but it's rarely enforced, and I suspect that's how it's been historically, no matter how much we idealize the FFs.

[mhr]

6. My Favorite Jefferson Quote

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

Thomas Jefferson
Founding Father Of The United States of America