Re: Elton John song. One of his best.
Re: Gettysburg. Very similar terrain to my own abode, not all that far as the crow flies. Tears at the heartstrings to imagine fine young men dying under blue sky, surrounded by lush countryside, beautiful trees, birds calling.
Re: Jefferson. My favorite Founding Father. I make an annual pilgrimage to Monticello. Next one September 16-17 for Heritage Harvest Festival. If there is a more beautiful place in the United States, I don't know what it is. But I do not long for wild mountain ranges or vast deserts. The peaceful, green beauty of Monticello countryside and the clever classical buildings and grounds that Jefferson designed and built are sufficient for my heart's desire. I am very proud that older son graduated from University of Virginia Law School, one of Jefferson's finest creations. A remarkably civilized place.
Re: Constitution. I think Jefferson knew what was coming, but he was not personally involved in the creation of the US Constitution. He was US Ambassador to France at the time.
Re: Federalism vs. Anti-Federalism. Jefferson was an Anti-Federalist. I am, on the whole, a Federalist, using the definition of the times. I would have sided with Washington, Hamilton, Adams.
Central government is useful for some things -- national defense, one currency, interstate transportation.
Abolition of slavery -- essential. No one has the right to enslave anyone. Too bad it took the death of hundreds of thousands to accomplish.
As much as I love Jefferson, he was wrong about a lot of the things that matter. |
