Posted on 07/04/2004 4:27:58 PM PDT by Reagan Renaissance
What if you were President of these United States and had the duty to meet Thomas Jefferson arriving at the airport today. How would you dress-red, white and blue? Or plain black to mourn the loss of our freedoms? What would be your tenor or manner? Apologetic? Humiliated? Embarrassed?
What would be his reaction to the America of today?
Or would you just send Tom Daschle and Teddy Kennedy and let them explain what happened?
I'd probably wear a suit, charcoal gray, and a tie.
To hell with my wardrobe - I'd be concerned about talking the guy down after his being shot 30,000 ft. up in a metal tube.
When people ask what would Roosevelt or Kennedy or Eisenhower think of the parties they led, given that those parties have changed their opinions so much over time, are they talking about figures who'd automatically repeat the opinions they held in life, or who could be convinced by what's considered progressive or conservative today to change their opinions about various issues? But in any case ...
The founders knew that republics were fragile, and feared that theirs might not even outlive themselves and their children. Republics become democracies. Democracies turn towards anarchy. And nations embrace tyranny to save themselves from anarchy. Or else various factions or sections of extended republics fight each other for control or autonomy.
Jefferson in particular feared that the republic would not survive the settlement of the Western frontier. Once the poor didn't have the option of moving to new lands, they'd get together to outvote and despoil the rich, if only to get opportunity and security. And when citizens could no longer get away from officials and bureaucracies they'd inevitably fall under the power of government, and freedoms would be lost.
Jefferson didn't forsee how fast things would happen and hoped that an unsettled frontier would remain for centuries to come, He would be depressed by the fate of the country, but not so terribly surprised.
Interesting question. I would think they would be pleased that the USA is still here, though changed. I would want to know what they would suggest to fix it. Something to ponder over a few days, thanks.
Assuming I was a man: Navy blue 2-pc.suit, black belt, OTC socks, and immaculately polished black lace-up dress shoes (albeit not wing tips), white shirt, navy blue tie w/small circles of white, and on my lapel a small, high quality American flag pin.
Being a woman, I would go for the Margarete Thatcher look: Long sleeve, slightly below the knee, in a med-dark (but not navy) blue, A-line dress (not belt)dress, dark stocking (NOT blue), "sensible" 1-in slip on pumps, a shade darker than the stockings. The neckline of the dress would be a slightly scooped-neck, high-lighted by a modest sized, but breath taking quality pearl necklace. Pearl studs for earing. The hair would be swept up and back. My noggin topped with a small, handsome hat.
What would be your tenor or manner? Apologetic? Humiliated? Embarrassed?
Again, the Thatcher model: well bred politeness, good manners, respectful ease.
As for the other questions my answer is:
-no
-no
- and, no.
As to the question: Would anybody alive today even be willing to face Washinton or Franklin? Oh,I would! To talk with them, to listen to them, would be a treasure beyond price.
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