Category Archives: Government

John Adams and the Constitution

Posted on by November 23, 2015

JohnAdamsShortly after the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress, Adams was sent to France to join Benjamin Franklin as a minister to France. Congress didn’t invite him to return home, even after the Revolutionary War had ended, and he and Franklin had constructed a Peace Treat, very much in favor of the United States.

Instead they sent him to Great Britain to attempt to produce a treaty of commerce with England. Can you imagine that? To try to put together a new treaty with your most recent war enemy? Impossible. Well, at least terribly difficult. read more

Benjamin Franklin and Gossip

Posted on by November 20, 2015

Ben Franklin thumb picture
As you know Benjamin Franklin was a great diplomat. He proved that over and over again. In the Continental Congress with the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, and others. In his victories with France in obtaining the funds and cooperation of the French in the Revolutionary War. In the Constitutional Convention when the arguments were starting to take over the discussions. And just generally in his life time habits and discourses.

Here’s an example of how he achieved so much: read more

Washington and Wisdom

Posted on by November 19, 2015

Give Me LIberty coverIt seems that we, as a nation, are just now learning some things that our Founding Fathers knew and tried to tell us. To warn us about.

Here’s just one small example from our first President, George Washington:

“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like a fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”

–George Washington as quoted in “Give Me Liberty,”
by Steven W. Allen, JD.

John and John Quincy Adams

Posted on by November 18, 2015

John_Quincy_Adams_by_George_Caleb_Bingham_(detail),_c._1850_after_1844_original_-_DSC03235One of the delights of John Adams’ old age was the satisfaction of having his son, John Quincy Adams, be sworn in as the 6th President of the United States of America. This took place in 1825, the year before the death of John Adams.

John’s son, John Quincy, won his election to the Presidency by only one vote when the evenly divided popular vote threw the election into the House of Representatives for a deciding vote.

The House was also evenly divided on the issue. When one final vote was taken, the Congressman from New York, in an answer to his prayer, picked up a crumpled ballot, and voted for the name on the ballot, esteeming it an answer to his prayer. The name on that crumpled up ballot was John Quincy Adams. read more

Jefferson’s War and the Barbary Pirates

Posted on by November 17, 2015

ThomasJeffersonIn the early days of our Nation, John Adams at first didn’t want to build up our Navy after the Revolutionary War. When Thomas Jefferson was elected to replace Adams, the nations of Europe and the United States were becoming more and more subject to the pirates of the Barbary coast.

When merchants wanted to sail through the Mediterranean Sea they were charged a bounty by the Barbary Pirates in order to pass Tripoli and other ports without being attacked. The Barbary Pirates were actually Muslims trying to extort benefits for not destroying the ships together with their cargoes. Most nations went along with this blackmail. It was just easier than fighting. read more

George Washington’s Farewell

Posted on by November 14, 2015

Landsdowne paintingAfter his second term of office as President of the United States, George Washington wanted to leave some advice and counsel. This was especially important to him as he had served this country respectably, admirably and with honor his whole life. From the French and Indian war, to the Revolutionary War, to the Constitutional Convention, and finally in the nation’s first Presidency for two terms.

He declined to serve a third term, setting an example for posterity. But he wanted to leave a final message. Washington’s Farewell Address was once required reading for all members of Congress. It has some exceptional and wise words for all Americans to consider—carefully. read more

Jefferson Speaking of Madison

Posted on by November 12, 2015

ThomasJeffersonAs you know Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were great friends.

As Jefferson completed his mansion “Monticello”, he built into the second floor a room dedicated to visits from James and Dolley Madison.

Jefferson also sent Madison a trunk full of volumes of books from France, regarding government and history to help Madison in drafting the U.S. Constitution. Jefferson was serving as Minister to France at the time at the discretion of Congress.

The erudite Jefferson was excited and inspired by the learning and academic study of James Madison. Here’s what Thomas Jefferson said about his kindred spirit, James Madison: read more

James Madison and Politics

Posted on by November 11, 2015

JamesMadisonAs you know, James Madison is known as “The Father of the Constitution.” He was very knowledgeable and astute when it came to governments. He also had an idea about what to look for in your government leaders. This is how he described his philosophy:

“The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of society; and . . . to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust.” read more

Patrick Henry’s Claim to Fame

Posted on by November 10, 2015

PatrickHenryMost people today don’t know very much about Patrick Henry. Through my study of the Founding Fathers, he has become one of my favorites. He had much to say to us and to do for us. Not the least off which was his example of good character.

Perhaps a fitting epitaph of this amazing man is the one paid to him by his grandson who described Henry as always setting “a good example of honesty, benevolence, hospitality and every social virtue. He assisted in the education of his . . . children and especially devoted much time to earnest efforts to establish true Christianity in our country.” read more

President and Mrs. Washington and President and Mrs. Madison

Posted on by November 5, 2015

There is a touching and even heart-rending irony in that neither George Washington, the “Father of our Country” nor James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution” had any children of their own. However, they both married widows and raised step-children.

George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, the lovliest and perhaps the wealthiest widow in Virginia. Martha had two children with her previous husband, Daniel Custis. Martha was very beautiful, as science has now confirmed with the new methods of reproducing what someone would have looked like at a certain age. (Click here to see a picture). At barely 5’, Martha stood only as tall as Washington’s chest. George was nearly 6’4” tall. read more