Hamilton vs Jefferson - the discussion continues

[TGHusker]

A while back, I watched with my wife the John Adams HBO series based on David McCullough's book. The movie series has spurred me on to some excellent reading of the time period.

One thing that has really stood out to me is that we've been fighting this battle of 'big govt vs small govt', states rights vs federal govt authority, centralization or de-centralization of power, individual freedom, etc for well over 200 years now. The things you and I talk about are really nothing new - just different applications of the same discussion which started so many years ago. In some ways, we are still, working with the founders, in creating a 'more perfect union'. When I look at our discussions from this perspective, I can hear more clearly & give more 'grace', to those who have contrary voices than my own (perhaps 80% on this board!). When we consider the 'bright lights' that have discussed similar topics and have tried to iron out their differences, I find it very humbling to know that these discussions are beyond me to resolve but yet are enlightening. I see things that each of you have said and see how it fits into this continuing dialogue. Reading about these men, has helped me to appreciate all that they have done on our behalf. It also gives me appreciation for each poster on here who continues the discussion. You are continuing in their tradition. Are you with Hamilton or with Jefferson? (a rhetorical question - you don't have to answer. I think there are parts of each of these men in each of our political heritage). It was their polar opposite positions that defined the era.

 

Also, The friendship lost and re-found between Adams and Jefferson is a very interesting thread seen throughout the time period.

 

If you get a chance to read any of the following, I highly recommend these titles.

 

John Adams by David McCullough

http://www.amazon.com/John-Adams-David-McCullough/dp/0743223136/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_mrai_3_dp

 

Founding Brothers - has some neat behind the scene stories that aren't often told. The author really gets into the Hamilton / Burr duel for example and gave a lot of great insight.

http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-J-Ellis-Revolutionary-Generation/dp/B004FVZ04Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428959356&sr=1-2&keywords=founding+brothers

A Magnificent Catastrophe: The Tumultuous Election of 1800, America's First Presidential Campaign -

If you think the 2000 election was tense, it was a cake walk compared to 1800 - Excellent book

http://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Catastrophe-Tumultuous-Election-Presidential/dp/0743293177

 

Madison and Jefferson -

These 2 were partners in many ways.

http://www.amazon.com/Madison-Jefferson-Andrew-Burstein/dp/0812979001/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428959448&sr=1-1&keywords=jefferson+and+madison

 

Alexander Hamilton, A life

http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Hamilton-Willard-Sterne-Randall/dp/0060954663/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1428959793&sr=8-3&keywords=alexander+hamilton

 

[huKSer]

I read this last summer

 

Jefferson/Hamilton - Rivalry that Forged a Nation

 

http://www.amazon.com/Jefferson-Hamilton-Rivalry-Forged-Nation/dp/1608195430

[BigRedBuster]

In true moderate fashion, I am going to say I support both. Well, I support both as opposition to each other.

 

I firmly believe that Jefferson was right in that most things are better ran and managed as local as you possibly can get them. For instance, I believe the US should have minimum standards that need to be met by the schools then from there, the local schools should have control over how their schools are ran. That's just one example.

 

However, I fully understand that some things are simply best ran on a national level. The EPA for instance makes no sense to be done by each state individually.

 

We also do need a strong national government to deal with world issues.

 

So, both did good things and I'm glad we had both to oppose each other.

[TGHusker]

In true moderate fashion, I am going to say I support both. Well, I support both as opposition to each other.

 

I firmly believe that Jefferson was right in that most things are better ran and managed as local as you possibly can get them. For instance, I believe the US should have minimum standards that need to be met by the schools then from there, the local schools should have control over how their schools are ran. That's just one example.

 

However, I fully understand that some things are simply best ran on a national level. The EPA for instance makes no sense to be done by each state individually.

 

We also do need a strong national government to deal with world issues.

 

So, both did good things and I'm glad we had both to oppose each other.

Agree 100%.