Politics does indeed make strange bedfellows!
It is interesting to see the "character question" played out over the centuries, isn't it? I suppose that, on a constitutional level, murder is seen as an isolated event against one individual (leaving aside the ripple effect for the moment), while perjury and obstruction of justice arguable corrupt and undermine the entire American legal and political system. Note that I do make a distinction between law and politics, although both are often "practiced" by the same "characters." Yourself included?? Or were one of your forebearers involved in the New Jersey grand jury?
I have to admit that I wasn't as up on the specifics of the confrontation as you, so I took a moment to look it up. My trusty old-fashioned World Book Encyclopedia says, charmingly, that after the duel Burr became "one of the most controversial figures in the history of the United States." So you see, his REPUTATION and CAREER OPTIONS suffered, and that's not even factoring in a thing about the consequences in his personal life.
The WB goes on to say, "Burr was now a politically ruined man. After his vice-presidency, he engaged in a complex web of questionable activities. [A lawyer to the core!] Whatever his purposes, he aroused suspicion." So you see, he didn't get away scott-free.
Although you surely know this, for the benefit of others who might be reading along, "Burr was tried for treason in 1807 [after his term as Vice-President ended] at a trial presided over by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall. He was acquitted, but his reputation had been damaged." IMO, people's reputations get rehabilitated much too fast now in these modern United States. Remember the accolades at former President Nixon's funeral? I'm all for compassion, but that was unbelievable.
Bonus question: Burr travelled to Europe to recruit men for a possible scheme involving the invasion of Mexico(!), but failed. When he returned, he entered the country under an assumed name. I will read the posts *religiously* of anyone who can answer what that assumed name was without having to look it up. Of course, I trust you. The honor system, you know. |
