www.etweb.fju.edu.tw/elite/advanced_reading/01/rip_van_winkle.ppt
The second part of your assignment this week is to find a quote by one of the Founding Fathers that you feel is relevant for today's America. Your blog assignment this week is to share the quote with the class, explain what the quote means and then expound on why you picked that particular quote. I read a blog this week where the author said, "The Founding Father's ideas are no longer relevant for today's America". I'd like to have a whole blog of your thoughts and quotes that discredit this idea.
Remember, the Scarlet Letter essay is due September 17th. I am not dictating your reading schedule so give yourself plenty of time to finish reading the book and write the essay of your choice.
Mrs. Butler
John Adams said, “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” The truth of this statement has been abundantly demonstrated in recent years. Over time, America has drifted further and further away from her Christian heritage. In correlation, her government and people have grown more and more corrupt. Increasingly, the government has been sneaking its nose into the tent of our rights and out of its Constitution dictated boundaries. In addition, more and more people have rejected the idea that there is any such thing as right and wrong, so why obey the law? If our country does not soon return to God, we are in for a heap of trouble, just as John Adams foresaw.
ReplyDeleteBravo Hannah, good quote. I never heard the first half before.
Delete"The class of citizens who provide at once their own food and their own raiment, may be viewed as the most truly independent and happy." - James Madison
ReplyDeleteThe meaning of this statement in coherance with America, is our welfare system. As of October in 2012, 4,300,000 people were on welfare. The government spending (not including food stamps or unemployment) was $131.9 billion! This is part of our massive debt! This is why our country is not a truly independant or happy country! The reason I picked this particular quote, was because it struck me that our country has strayed so far from what it used to be, and what it should be.
Our government can be viewed as Scarecrow (from batman) and the people as the drug buyers. They will buy in to anything that makes them feel better and work less, the government is willing to give them that, however as with all drugs, there are side effects.
"I told you my compound (welfare plan) would take you places. I never said they were places you wanted to go!" - Scarecrow/government.
Nice observation, Sara! What's sad about these welfare programs is that people are being tricked into believing that it will make them happy. When in most cases, the reality is that these programs lead to major dependence on the government, which is bound to make a person unhappy.
Deletep.s. nice Batman reference
I think this was great analysis on your part, Sara, but are people receiving welfare unhappy? Sure, us tax-payers who are funding welfare are frustrated, but those who benefit from it (although not necessarily independent) seem to be happy to me. I read an article the other day that says out of 35 states, welfare pays more than minimum wage! I sure would be happy if I didn't have to work and still got payed. Just some food for thought. :)
Delete"If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement, we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised, to furnish new pretenses for revenues and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without tribute." -Thomas Paine
ReplyDeleteMr. Paine points out in this quote that Government is inherently evil - it will in any circumstance take everything that it can from its people. Governments (especially the US government in modern times)monopolize on any extra money they can get their hands on. According to The Tax Policy Center in DC, "workers making between $30,000 and $200,000 will see their paychecks shrink by as much as 1.7 percent – or up to $1,784. Overall, nearly 80 percent of households will pay more money to the federal government as a result of the fiscal cliff deal.."
Sure 1.7% isn't a whole lot, but a fire always starts out with a small spark. People need to wake up and to start seeing the "greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry". If we don't keep watch, it will maneuver leisurely and noiselessly and take and take until we turn around and we have nothing left but a huge ironhanded, oppressive government that we have no control over.
What Mr. Paine was saying about the "more wretched parts of the world" have become a reality in our part of the world. This quote and quotes of the Founding Fathers can apply to every country, at any time, to any citizen.
Haley- Love your last line.
DeleteGreat analysis of the quote Haley. Sadly, I can attest, being that the paycheck shrink has effected us. we truly do need to watch what the government is doing.
DeleteI definitely agree. More government means more power. With more power, people naturally take advantage of the less powerful.
Delete“Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction, and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?”
ReplyDelete― Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry was one of the great orators and founders of america. In this quote patrick henry brings to light that who better is there to protect ourselves than ourselves. "If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?” There is no more effective way of protecting the people than allowing them to train, carry, and use firearms? No, absolutely not. As our current politicians fail to see, taking away our weapons is not only a way to cause a revolt, but to destroy the peoples protection. Much more could be said on this topic and quote, but for the sake of brevity I shall not expound further. (If you are interested in finding some amazing quotes, George Mason has a vast number. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/g/george_mason.html )
I completely agree. One of my favorite quotes that pertains to this subject is from Cesare Beccaria he said: "False is the idea of utility that sacrifices a thousand real advantages for one imaginary or trifling inconvenience; that would take fire from men because it burns, and water because one may drown in it; that it has no remedy for evils, except destruction. The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are of such a nature. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man."
DeleteI love this quote, thanks for posting it.
Delete"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." -James Madison
ReplyDeleteWhen applied to modern societal beliefs, this is a remarkably intriguing quote. When the Constitution was written, the vast majority of Americans were moral and religious.
Today, is that the case? It would seem that in modern day America, most have rejected God and a set moral standard altogether. Does this mean that the Constitution is worthless? Not necessarily.
In this quote, James Madison is pointing out that the Constitution would be wholly inadequate to an immoral, irreligious society- inadequate being the key word. He is not announcing, in the least, that the Constitution would be worthless, but he is claiming that it would be wholly inadequate. The definition of "inadequate" is "insufficient for a purpose". The reason why it's inadequate is because the "purpose" of modern Americans is far from what the Founding Fathers had in mind. Unfortunately, the bulk of American citizens and government officials today believe that the Constitution is either insufficient, or completely unsound and untrue. Yes, Madison portrays, the Constitution will still be incredibly important in keeping a society afloat, but when that society turns to irreligiosity and immorality, the Constitution will be an inadequate guideline.
Well said Grace, you made it very clear that our nation does not work without a moral people. So what do you propose as a solution to this growing problem.
DeleteWhen the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty. Thomas Jefferson
ReplyDeleteThomas Jefferson writer of the Deceleration of Independence had great insight when he spoke those 18 words but do they only apply to 1776 or do they apply today? That is question I will answer in the next few minutes. We will do so by looking at three questions one, do the American people fear their government? Two does the American government fear the people? What lessons can we apply from Mr. Jefferson.
One do the American People fear the government. Last week I was in a class watching a movie on the Constitution, in the video they showed a clip of a Senator saying and I quote “It doesn't really matter that the Constitution says.” Now I don't know about you that is literally one of the most terrifying things in the world to me, and sadly in America today we face a government that has no real respect for the Constitution. And that makes many American Citizens fearful of their government. And rightfully so we should fear a government that has no respect for what they swore to uphold. So the first aspects of Thomas Jefferson’s quotes is true the government has caused it citizens to fear thus taking away their true freedom.
Two does the government fear the people. Prop 8 was bill passed in California in 2008 the bill made gay marriage illegal in the state of California. The people had spoken and the bill was passed by a majority. However many gay rights groups protected, sued, and complained. The issue escalated until finally the resolution was in front of the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court had a decision to make to listen to the majority or appease the minority. In a shocking decision the Supreme Court ruled prop 8 unconstitutional and removed it from the California constitution. Ignoring the majority and disrespecting the voice of the people. A this goes to show that our government does not respect our voice they do not fear the and they do not respect the people.
According to Thomas Jefferson the people of America really aren't free so what do we do about it. The only thing we can we fight. I don't mean grab your AK's and go all Rambo, I mean fight the injustice, fight the tyranny, fight for the freedom of America. To say that the ideas of our founding fathers do not apply to us today seems blasphemous to me, by looking at this one quote we see there is a lot we can learn these great men in our past.
Your right. That is scary. I agree that America needs to be a nation known for its people that stands upright in its principles, not a passive government that gives the whining baby his shiny toy...
Delete"A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?" ~George Washington
ReplyDeleteGeorge Washington's words are extremely prevalent in today's culture. Our government is dictated by the people and if the people don't understand how politics work the results are disastrous. Many people who haven't been taught how to think critically about the government are easily swayed by the best speaker even if what they say isn't true or doesn't make sense because they don't know any better. The more informed the people the better decisions they can make which allows them to protect their freedom. We must teach the youth about the government and politics so they can choose politicians who support the idea of freedom and fight for that. George Washington wanted people to be able to think for themselves because that makes them less susceptible to voting for people who would harm their freedoms.
I chose this quote because so often people rely on others to tell them what to think. It is vital that we educate the youth in how the government works so they can think critically about issues that come up. Many young adults may have strong views but many times just a few questions show they don't understand why they think the way that they do. This is a dangerous habit because if you don't understand why you think a certain way you will never understand the consequences of that point of view. Power hungry politicians rely on the fact that people don't understand so they can sway the voters with flowery speeches and empty promises. This puts our freedom in jeopardy. You can't defend something you know nothing about.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWe are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid. -Benjamin Franklin
ReplyDeleteYeah I picked Benjamin Franklin. I chose this quote because it seems to apply to all of us as a nation. We learn new things each day. We get information from almost every aspect of day to day life and after a while it seems to overwhelm. So we shut it all out we become so obsessed with the little things in our individual lives because that's what seems easier. We all take the path of least resistance, and we spend so much time and effort doing so that we forget what it's like to search for wisdom. For the proof, just look at America as a whole today. At this point, probably more than half the country just wants to get on with their own lives and "work hard to remain stupid" of the bigger issues filling up the world. Imagine if we all strove for more knowledge, more wisdom, and a better understanding of what makes a country so great. We would be great indeed.
Sam Waters
The fact that we DON"T strive for more knowledge, more wisdom, and a better understanding is probably why we don't see as many 'Ben Franklins' today.
DeleteI definitely agree that America has worked very hard to stay stupid. Do you think at this point, though, stupidity is a matter of choice or tradition?
DeleteHuman nature says "choose to be stupid" and recently, that's become America's tradition. So both
DeleteI would not say it is tradition because there are still many americans that strive for knowledge. that is why our country is still a float. while many consider it a norm to be stupid, it is not yet(thankfully) a tradition.
Delete"Those who would trade their freedom for their security deserve neither." This profound statement was penned by the infamous Ben Franklin. This never-obsolete fact applies to socialism, communism, and various other forms of government where security is promised yet freedom is limited. Some Americans are too eager to hand away their liberty to complete strangers who pledge safety. This Liberal thinking promotes that we as Americans have it hard and that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is just an extra (but not required) gift. Obviously, they haven't been studying history much, or else they'd realize several examples where absolute power corrupts (absolutely). The people who believe taking away gun rights and legalizing marijuana have never taken a close enough look at what happened to Hitler's Germany or Communist China. And they've probably never taken the time to check 1 Samuel 8, because their actions suggest they have no idea what happened to Israel when it got a king
ReplyDeleteI like the way you referred to it as "pledged" security. If we give up our liberty, we also give up the right to ensure the other side of the deal is upheld. The reason for the second amendment was so that, as a last resort, citizens of the United States could physically defend their rights against a corrupt government.
Delete"It is a very great mistake to imagine that the object of loyalty is the authority and interest of one individual man, however dignified by the applause or enriched by the success of popular actions." -Samuel Adams
ReplyDeleteI believe that the most interesting thing about this quote is the fact that it doesn't only apply to the government, but to our culture's specific idolization of celebrities.
America has become over-the-top obsessed with those we consider talented, or even those who aren't; they're just famous for no reason (read: Kardashians). We worship celebrities, focusing all our attention on who got married, who had a baby, who broke up, and wishing our lives were more like those of Taylor Swift or Brad Pitt.
These people we so admire are rarely worthy of our admiration, much less the loyalty we so quickly bestow. How often have you heard, or said, the phrase, "Oh, he's in that movie? I LOVE him!"
How quickly, how carelessly, we throw around those sacred terms: I love her, they're great, he's awesome, words that before this century were mainly used to denote adoration for God, or for those we actually care about.
I think this culture might be on the first step to saving itself if we cared less about Family Guy and more about being men who fight for the family, less about the royal baby and more about the children living in our own home, less about Katniss and Peta and more about the relationships we build ourselves.
So, as Samuel Adams said, let's not imagine that our loyalty belongs to the temporal sway of one man, made popular by the applause of a short-lived generation, but let our loyalty live in the hearts of our friends, our family, and at the throne of our God.
Amen! I must confess, I would not have put those two themes together. Should we then only glorify (obviously less than God) celebrities with good morals, personalities, deeds, etc...?
Delete"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patric Henry
ReplyDeleteThis is relevant simply because it has come true. Our liberties are compromised because we no longer have a completely honest government. However, concealment is only part of the issue. We as the new generation of Americans practice self concealment, that is, ignorance of the politics of the government under which we live. It is shameful to wallow in such foolishness. I choose to break that habitual illiteracy with this school year.
Good point Karlyn. How do you think we can practically influence our generation?
Delete“We must all hang together, or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” – Benjamin Franklin. This quotation was meant in a literal sense. During the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Franklin shared with his colleagues the need for unison to attain their goal. “Freedom, liberty and Justice for all.” Franklin knew that by signing the document which signified the colonies freedom, they were also committing treason against the king of England. If caught the men would assuredly be hung as turncoats. In this quote Franklin reveals both the importance of taking a stand for truth, regardless of the possible risks, and also the importance of unity in order to preserve God given rights. This truth is no more relevant today than it was in the late eighteenth century. Whether it be freedom of speech, religion, property or possessions I think we can all learn a lesson by viewing the result of this noble ambition.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote Colby! Just wondering, how do you think modern America could achieve the same kind of unity that characterized our country during our early years? Granted, even in 1776 there were many different factions, but today's political system is incredibly divided.
DeleteI like your quote Colby. I would never have thought of such a connection. Do you think this quote also applies to the vast diversity of thought in present-day America versus the mostly single-minded Christian America of the past? I mean, just as our unity in mindset has dissolved, so also has our liberty.
ReplyDelete“The most effectual means of preventing [the perversion of power into tyranny are] to illuminate, as far as practicable, the minds of the people at large, and more especially to give them knowledge of those facts which history exhibits, that possessed thereby of the experience of other ages and countries, they may be enabled to know ambition under all its shapes, and prompt to exert their natural powers to defeat its purposes.” ~Thomas Jefferson
ReplyDeleteWhy do we need to learn from history? Why do schools all across the world study different cultures and time periods? Hopefully in order to understand our heritage, to learn something about ancient times. But why do we need to know what it was like to live a hundred years ago? Is that relevant to todays’ society? Thomas Jefferson thought so. In fact, I believe that one of the main purposes of studying history is to learn from past mistakes and successes. That is how the world improves…we avoid the errors that we have committed before and we repeat steps for success. If we do not learn from history, then there is no point in studying history. A classic example of this is the Israelites. They were constantly falling away from God, being punished, repenting, being fine and Godly for a while, and then falling away again. It was a cycle that they could not break. Maybe if they had just looked back it would have been easier to break out of that cycle. They needed to constantly remember what God had done for them. The same is true for America. We need to remember what God has done for us, and remember our past mistakes so that we can avoid them.
"If the federal government should overpass the just bounds of its authority and make a tyrannical use of its powers, the people, whose creature it is, must appeal to the standard they have formed, and take such measures to redress the injury done to the Constitution as the exigency may suggest and prudence justify." --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 33, 1788
ReplyDeleteIncredibly, in 1788 Alexander Hamilton seemed to foresee the situation that the United States would find itself in today. This quote describes the responsibility of the American people in such a situation; specifically, when the government has granted itself powers that stretch far above and beyond what the Constitution permits. Not surprisingly, the only way to remedy such a situation is to go back to the source of any governmental authority. By “appealing to the standard”, the American people can attempt to curb the wild growth of government. I chose this quote since it seems to speak to today’s America perfectly; we live in a country where the government has drastically overstepped its boundaries, and we need to go back to the source to understand what the government is actually permitted to do.
I completely agree with you Megan, the government has gone far beyond its original boundaries. But would you say that our society could handle vast cuts and the government being put back in its place? Would the majority of our society even rise up and appeal to the constitution?
Delete“We must all hang together, or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” – Benjamin Franklin. These words were spoken after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It showed the consequences of standing for what you believe no matter what. All the signers knew they were basically signing a potential death sentence. However what happened to some of the signers? We don’t learn a lot about what happened but the consequences are atrocious.
ReplyDeleteOf the 56 men about 30 or more than half of the men experienced direct results from the British for their actions. 5 were caught and tortured to death, 12 were left homeless, destitute and hunted by the British, 9 fought in the Revolution and died or were wounded fighting for what they believed. Carter Braxton, and Thomas Mckeam gave money to the new nation, sold property for the cause, served without pay, fought for liberty and died in rags and poverty. Thomas Nelson had his house taken over and used as British headquarters. When he found out he looked at Washington and gave him a calm reply, “Fire.” His house was leveled and he died in poverty. John Hart was driven away from his dying wife and returned later to find all 13 of his children gone. He died a few days later of exhaustion and heart break.
This is an example of extreme commitment, but why did these men do this? Because OUR future was more important to them, because LIBERTY was more important to them and finally because they stood up for what THEY believed, commitment at its best. But why did I pick this quote? Because these men stood up for what they believed even while they experienced extreme hardship. The selflessness of these men is why they still affect us today, because without them and their work we would not be here standing strong under the Stars and Stripes as AMERICANS!
(Sorry, I realized I copied Colby’s quote after I posted this and read through the comments, Apologizes)
Great point! You compare this kind of selfless mentality to our nation today and we're downright pathetic. Yet it's so interesting, we look up to these brave men because of how courageous they were. Will the future generations see our generation as an example of bravery? I think not.
DeleteWell said, we are so loosing the idea of courage these men were so bent on protecting. Why do you think this is?
DeleteIn those times people cared about a better future for those who came after them. they realized that the best way they could use their life was to help those who would come after them and paving the road for Christ's kingdom to advance.
Delete"A nation under a well regulated government, should permit none to remain uninstructed. It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support." -Thomas Paine
ReplyDeleteYou know, this quote really hit me because it totally applies to today's America. As I reflect on the most recent presidential elections, so many of President Obama's votes were simply from complete ignorance. Our current government has a tendency to give things away, whether it be money, phones, insurance, "change", the average American totally loves it! I mean, for a person who's relatively ignorant with the purpose and meaning of government, they wouldn't see the harms of this, they love it. I mean, I'd love it if I wasn't educated. It seems like our government has either forgotten or completely ignored the advice of the founders of this nation. Yet,these guys were brilliant! I love the words of Paine, "It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support." This is exactly what's happening today!
I think the real problem is boiled down to the ignorance of the average American, if the people were better objectively educated, than we would be so much better off as a nation. Taking to heart the words of the founders is crucial to today's society.
Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? -Thomas Jefferson
ReplyDeleteThere are two fundamental types of government: inward government and outward government. Inward government means control over oneself. Outward government applies to control of other people. The basis of the American experiment is to give freedom through self government while limiting outward government of others. Through this quote, Thomas Jefferson points out the underlying belief that led the Founders to pursue American freedoms. His rhetorical question logically shows that sinful man only sins to a greater degree when given power (over others). As men acquire greater power over others, the society subjugates itself to the selfish whims of men. A few men with all of the power can (and do) ruin a nation. Only when power is evenly distributed in a society and government (through the people's voice, equal representation, and checks and balances) can freedom be achieved. When the Founders constructed the American government, they depended on an equal, free, moral, and responsible people.
"If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin."
ReplyDeleteSamuel Adams
If we are looking for a quote that is relevant to our present circumstances, this quote surely qualifies. The entire reason that our founding fathers created a new government and separated from Britain, was that the leadership of the king was corrupted. In today's world our leaders are not leading in wisdom and humility. Instead, they are the vain, aspiring leaders Samuel Adams was referring to. This is why I chose this quote to analyze. Not only does it refer to the government, but it also calls the people to action. As we learned in the Constitutional Literacy Video it is the peoples responsibility to hold the government in check. No matter how well the constitution is written it will never be able to force the government to comply with its rules. That job is for us, the patriotic American citizen.
Now for the second issue: Whether or not the founding fathers principles, beliefs, and quotes are still relevant in today's world. I have two reasons why this belief is false. First, these are not just old men with good sayings that we think we should follow, these men are our founding fathers. They are the foundation of our entire way of living in America. They set this nation on its feet while knocking over the British government in America. How could we be prideful enough and foolish enough to think that somehow their great wisdom no longer relates to us? They are our foundation. Simply that should make their quotes always relate to our country. Secondly, the topics on which they spoke will never change. Our founding fathers were not discussing what the limits of our space program would be. They were not legislating what ethical would be defined as. Our founding fathers were speaking about government, leaders, and core values like freedom and liberty. These topics will never change, and therefore their knowledge on these topics will never become irrelevant. So for both of these reasons we can see that we should be listening to the wisdom of our founding fathers because they are our foundation and because the topics on which they spoke are never going to change.