"Indeed, there is one enemy, who is more formidable than famine, pestilence and the sword, I mean the corruption which is prevalent in so many American hearts, a depravity that is more inconsistent with our republican governments than light is with darkness."
"Under a well regulated Commonwealth, the People must be wise, virtuous and cannot be otherwise. Under a Monarchy they may be as vicious and foolish as they please, nay, they cannot but be vicious and foolish. ... Virtue and Simplicity of Manners are indispensably necessary in a Republic among all orders and Degrees of Men. But there is so much Rascallity, so much Venality and Corruption, so much Avarice and Ambition such a Rage for Profit and Commerce among all Ranks and Degrees of Men even in America, that I sometimes doubt whether there is public Virtue enough to Support a Republic."
Damn.
ReplyDeleteVirtue and Simplicity of Manners are indispensably necessary in a Republic among all orders and Degrees of Men.
That ain't gonna getya a job at Fox News.
LOL... an it sho ain't no fun either!
ReplyDeleteYes, well...that eliminates approximately 66% of contemporary America. Ain't gonna fly in Topeka.
ReplyDelete"...even in America, that I sometimes doubt whether there is public Virtue enough to Support a Republic." especially if he was looking at the socio political class of people such as himself and not them who liked to drink and fuck and just generally want to be left alone.
ReplyDeleteA quick look at reality TV and you might lose hope for the Republic.
ReplyDeleteJJ, WM ... Like I said, and it ain't no fun either. If there ever was a water-tight-ass Puritan, it was John Adams.
ReplyDeleteLGS... I lost hope over The Price Is Right!
Corruption in hearts--the saddest of the sad. Honestly, Adams, if only you knew what was ahead... I'm still hopeful, Mr. Charleston. At some point we'll have to all realize that nothing worthwhile is being accomplished with politics as usual.
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