Posted on 11/30/2005 2:10:58 PM PST by Jo Nuvark
Thomas Jefferson 3rd President (1801-1809)
Periodic revolution, “at least once every 20 years,” was “a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.”
Jefferson had a point. It wouldn't be a bad idea for the states to revisit the Constitution every generation, if only to debate the amendments, intent, and meaning.
It would also provide an object lesson to state legislatures that they are sovereign legislatures, in sovereign states, subject to Federal jurisdiction in very narrowly defined areas.
Jefferson was a big one for State and Individual empowerment. The two biggest dangers to our liberty are that the states would give up their powers to the Federal government, and that individuals would give up their liberties to either governments.
I'm pretty happy that Canada is throwing out their liberal, avaricious government... in a non-violent revolution. Jefferson was talking about throwing out a corrupt government, not the constitution. And incremental ratification of existing entitlements doesn't count. I'm advocating a full on, knock down, drag out, reset.
[...And to think Jefferson was a Democrat!...]
It is not hard to agree with Jefferson. He is so practical. PRACTICALITY and REASON... that's what is missing from our leaders. Do these guys know how to read?
Thomas Jefferson was one of the 19th Century's Universal Men along with my mentor Goethe. Did you know that Jefferson is the Father of Modern Archeology. Just ask Schliemann who found Troy after 3000 years!!
More importantly, Jefferson was a "Thinker". He understood that each Generation must place its imprimateur on our government so that it can be fresh and dynamic.
Presient Jackson would establish the National Bank in 1839. Abraham Lincoln would lead the country through the Civil War. If you look at the 20 year cycle the Industrial revolution in the 1880s the Spanish American War and the Globalization of the US's power in 1900 are examples. Jefferson could not provide the laws and regulations for the Telecommunications Revolution which has spanned the 20th Century from Alexander Bell to Bill Gates but each succeeding generation can.
"Think About It"
PERIODIC REVOLUTIONS: Kuhn, Thomas Samuel 1922–1996.
American philosopher and historian best known for his work The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962), in which he challenged the view that the history of science is a smooth and cumulative process, arguing instead that scientific change occurs through “revolutions” in which one paradigm of inquiry and explanation is replaced by another.
[..If you look at the 20 year cycle the Industrial revolution in the 1880s the Spanish American War and the Globalization of the US's power in 1900 are examples...]
I think the "macro" revolution is evident. But without an an equal "micro" revolution, we will snap like an old rubberband due to stress and corruption.
Same here... It wouldn't hurt if our legislators had to do the same after taking their oath of office.
In fact, it would be interesting to have a tradition of legislators having to write papers and give speeches on their interpretation of the Constitution, our history, and the intent of the Founders.
I like the idea of a periodic "Constructionist Review" of our legislators. After all they take an oath to uphold the constitution. New citizens know more about Democracy than public school students. Public school students become legislators. Hmmmm. Maybe Arnold should be allowed to run for President. Doh! Not a good idea. Imagine OBL running, or Zarquawi. Bad thought. Baaaaad thought.
2007 The year before the great hi jacking of America amazing after Obamas Election Revolution is a scarce word and an even scarcer commodity if you think a tea party is going to make them listen and OBEY you better just have a seat and drink the tea your tossing cause it aint gonna work...
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