Thomas Jefferson: On the Problems of our Age

Thomas Jefferson: On the Problems of our Age

For those who think the problems of today are unique to our generation here is a short list of quotes that I believe show that even in Thomas Jefferson’s day the underlying issues were not much different than today (keeping in mind I played Jeopardy here, I made up questions for his answers).  Somehow it makes me feel we may last another 200 years.

On the massive and unprecedented communication effort undertaken by President Obama:

“I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them but to inform their discretion.”

On the rise of power for multinational conglomerates:

“I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.”

On the propensity of the current Congress to raise taxes and stimulate the economy by mass redistribution of wealth:

“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. “

On globalization of the economy:

“Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains.”

On the stark difference between Blue and Red states:

“When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.”

On America’s goals in the Middle East:

“If there is one principle more deeply rooted in the mind of every American, it is that we should have nothing to do with conquest. “

On the need for restraint in government spending:

“We may consider each generation as a distinct nation, with a right, by the will of its majority, to bind themselves, but none to bind the succeeding generation, more than the inhabitants of another country. “

On Washington “business as usual”:

“Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence. “