The First Inaugural Address of President Jamed Monroe

The University of Oklahoma Law Center ^

[carlr]

"Dangers from abroad are not less deserving of attention. Experiencing the fortune of other nations, the United States may be again involved in war, and it may in that event be the object of the adverse party to overset our Government, to break our Union, and demolish us as a nation. Our distance from Europe and the just, moderate, and pacific policy of our Government may form some security against these dangers, but they ought to be anticipated and guarded against. Many of our citizens are engaged in commerce and navigation, and all of them are in a certain degree dependent on their prosperous state. Many are engaged in the fisheries. These interests are exposed to invasion in the wars between other powers, and we should disregard the faithful admonition of experience if we did not expect it. We must support our rights or lose our character, and with it, perhaps, our liberties. A people who fail to do it can scarcely be said to hold a place among independent nations. National honor is national property of the highest value. The sentiment in the mind of every citizen is national strength. It ought therefore to be cherished."..

" But it ought always to be held prominently in view that the safety of these States and of everything dear to a free people must depend in an eminent degree on the militia. Invasions may be made too formidable to be resisted by any land and naval force which it would comport either with the principles of our Government or the circumstances of the United States to maintain. In such cases recourse must be had to the great body of the people, and in a manner to produce the best effect."

[carlr]

This address was presented on March 4,1817.The vision of the founding fathers was amazing.He realized that we need to expect and stand up to foreign dangers and that we needed a well armed population as a means of civil defense.
The parallels to our time and our actions in Iraq to secure the US from a enemy determined to attack us are clear.

[Charles Henrickson]

President Jamed Monroe

The First Black President?

[Izzy Dunne]

The first Islamic President.

[carlr]

I appeal to the mods to correct my fat finger error.

[Charles Henrickson]

It happens to all of us.

Just remember the carpenter's rule (especially in thread titles): Measure twice, cut once.

[swilhelm73]

Actually the off and on again war with Barbary pirates started under Jefferson bares remarkable similiarity to our current War on Terror.

[metalmanx2j]

How do you mean?

[Izzy Dunne]

"Jamed" sounds like an Islamic name, to me.

[Izzy Dunne]

the safety of these States and of everything dear to a free people must depend in an eminent degree on the militia.

Hear, Hear!