[pikachu]

Burr is a POS who killed the true genius of the American Founding.

Hamilton may have been a genius in many ways but he was a little SOB to many. He repeatedly insulted Burr and would then recant when pressed, appologizing profusely. After several interations of the insult/appology cycle Burr finally had enough. Hamilton's NY Post was much closer to today New York Times in making very damning claims that were later retracted in small print well away from the front page. Burr is an interesting figure and one of many that have suffered over the years thanks to Thomas Jefferson's hand. but in the case of shoot Alex Hamilton, he was probably more than justified.

[clawrence3]

Let's just hope the press is not as vicious toward Cheney as the Federalists were to Burr ; )

[Cyclopean Squid]

Not to mention that Hamilton was in truth what the DUmmies claim Rove is--a powermad manipulator bent on controlling the entire workings of government and making himself king in all but name. Gotta like the guy.

[colorado tanker]

Hamilton fully participated in the rough and tumble of polemics in those days, as did Burr. I fault Hamilton for dueling with a scoundrel like Burr.

[RobbyS]

Gore Vidal, a descendant of Burr, has an interesting view in his book, "Burr " it is that Hamilton and Burr were personally very much alike, that in killing Hamilton Burr was killing his mirror image. No doubt that Hamilton was jealous of Burr, whose career was rising as Hamilton's was descending. But the more interesting dynamic is the involvement of Jefferson, who was positively Machiavellian in his prosecution of Burr. He would have succeeded except for the intervention of John Marshall. Marshall was Jefferson (2nd?) cousin and from a distance the two men were so physically alike that one was often mistaken for the other. They also cordially detested one another. Marshall, a war veteran, regarded Jefferson as a coward for having fled his post as governor during the British invasion. Anyway, Marshall saved Burr's butt by holding the government to the letter of the Constitution. Nonetheless Burr had to flee the country to avoid assassination (It was rumored).

[nopardons]

I suggest that you read up on Aaron Burr.

For all of the calumny you've heaped upon Hamilton, undeservedly so, Burr makes Alex look like a saint! Even Jefferson, whose V.P. Burr was, didn't like him; but found him "useful".

[binkdeville]

I agree..Burr was due a shot at Hamilton . Hamilton had been after him for years in a totally relentless smear campaign of lies and personal attacks..