Wilford Woodruff, a religious leader in the 1800’s, reflected in his writings about the nature of the leaders of the nation in 1776 as compared to the individual characters of those of only 100 years later. It seemed to him that there was a growing gulf between the character, integrity, and inspiration of the leaders of his time, and that of the leaders in the Revolution and the promulgating of the U.S. Constitution.
He was considering Washington, Jefferson, Adams and Madison.
Wow. What if he had lived another 100 years. What would he think of the leaders now?
One of the Supreme Court Justices nominated by James Madison was Joseph Story. Now remember, Madison was the most learned man when it came to the U.S. Constitution. He sheparded it through to approval, including writing many of the “Federalist Papers”.
Ben Franklin is known not only as a Founding Father and Inventor, but also for his abundant Wit and Wisdom.
The Declaration of Independence together with the United States Constitution created a government never before seen by man on this earth. It is a government of the people and by the people. The people have a mandate to chose their own leaders. To vote!
Boy, that was an eye-opening account of “Legends and Lies” by Bill O’Reilly tonight. It was on TV. Pictured was the death of President George Washington, the election between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, which was decided in the House, and the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.
Some of us feel that way from time to time. All we do is complain. But some of us have learned that complaining doesn’t do any good. You actually have to do something about it.
George Washington, our first President, said this: “Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”
I am attending a week long education summit at BYU. One of the classes is about the Presidential election in 1844. It seems to have some similarities with our current election.
I believe that the Founding Fathers were all EXCEPTIONAL leaders. They were all at the right place at the right time in history. It’s pretty amazing if you think about it. How often can you get 55-56 well educated and experienced men in one room and have them agree on anything, let alone how to build a new nation?