Polished on Politics Welcome to the first in a series of articles that will discuss our political and governmental system from its historical origins to present day. This series is not intended to be judgmental or biased in any way; I simply want to place several historical perspectives on the table for the purpose of provoking thoughtful discussion. This past November the people of the United States were faced with two history making presidential election scenarios, and they were asked to vote for and elect either the first African-American president or the first woman Vice President. Now that the election is over, the people have chosen to elect the first African-American President. So this begs the question. How far have we come since the founding fathers crafted our independence and formed our government? While some will say we have come a long way, others will say this is the first in a series of steps that must be taken to reach our desired place in history. The real purpose of this discussion is designed to get you to think about government and the role it should play in our lives. I am not going to engage in any analysis of our political and governmental system; that is going to be your job. It is our responsibility as a people to open up meaningful dialogue on all levels of our society which includes friends, family and political parties. Let’s start with the following question, “What would John Adams and Thomas Jefferson say?”
“The essential principles of our Government... form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and blood of our heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the touchstone by which to try the services of those we trust; and should we wander from them in moments of error or of alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty and safety.” Thomas Jefferson’s 1st Inaugural Address, 1801. Copyright 1995-2001 Eyler Robert Coates, Sr. What do you think? Send your comments to www.PolishedFashion@lasell.edu See you next time… RIchard Bath Founder of Polished Magazine
“The science of government, it is my duty to study, more than all other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration and negotiation ought to take the place of, indeed exclude, in a manner, all other arts. I must study politics and war, that our sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Our sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry and porcelain.” John Adams US diplomat & politician (1735 - 1826)
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