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The Thomas Jefferson Discussion Group
of Orlando, Florida

Meeting No. 24 - April 22, 2003
Chapters Bookstore, Orlando, Florida



THIS MONTH'S TOPIC:
INALIENABLE RIGHTS


Lots to talk about as I watch Saddam's statue being pulled down, American flags being waved and the unbridled jubilation of the people in Baghdad. It seems to me Thomas Jefferson would be very proud to see an oppressed, tortured people's "inalienable" rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness begin to be restored to them - and the vital role his country is playing to help make this happen.

"May it (the celebration of American Independence) be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government."

- Thomas Jefferson, June 24, 1826

"You must understand, sir, a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between.  This is a sharp time, now, a precise time - we live no longer in the dusky afternoon when evil mixed itself with good and befuddled the world. Now, by God's grace, the shining sun is up, and them that fear not light will surely praise it.  I hope you will be of those."

The words of George Bush or John Ashcroft?  Sounds like it could be, huh? Actually, these are the words of Judge Danforth, a character in Arthur Miller's, The Crucible."  Danforth was warning the protagonist to be careful - you're either for God or against God, either for witches or against witches - there's no middle ground.

You're either for terrorism or against terrorism, either fighting with the United States - as an ally against terrorism, or you're an enemy of the United States.

Is this a fair analogy?  What would Thomas Jefferson think?




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