The Jefferson Discussion Group of Orlando

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The Thomas Jefferson Discussion Group
of Orlando, Florida

Meeting No. 35 - March 17, 2004
Holiday House Restaurant, Orlando, Florida



THIS MONTH'S TOPIC:
TWO ADMINISTRATIONS FACED WITH FOREIGN THREAT


As I type this, the carnage from the Lisbon bombings continues to be sifted through. Close to 200 dead and over 1000 injured! More evidence that we have begun World War III, or just another isolated local police matter?  

How has President Bush handled the effort to protect us from the terrorist threat so far? Is the pre-emption tenet of the Bush doctrine valid?

President Jefferson managed to keep us out of war from 1801 – 1809 (not counting those pesky Barbary Pirates off the coast of Africa), even though the English and French both gave us good reason to engage them in formal battle.  The next administration (Madison’s) was not so fortunate.  The War of 1812 resulted in the torching of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. by the English, but many historians feel the effort required by this event, galvanized us, finally, into a true nation.  Did Jefferson merely “kick the can down the road.” (i.e., delay the inevitable), or, were his policies in the best interest of of the country?

Wednesday night, March 17th, we’ll talk about the parallels and differences between two administrations faced with a foreign threat.  Hope to see you.




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