The Fate of the Union Hangs in the Balance

“The fate of the union depends on balance. Federalists warn Jefferson’s radical agenda!”
“House Deadlock – Lepolic at risk”
–rear Headlines during the 1800 US election.

The third US presidential election was marked by intense ideological conflicts, and, like today’s polarized politics, sparked fear of violence. Rural and urban areas have fostered tensions over state and federal power, which anticipated today’s debate over federal and state sovereignty.

Thomas Jefferson’s “Democratic Reflection” party had incumbent John Adams and the Federalists as elitists and ordinary Americans, but Adams’ supporters portrayed Jefferson as a farmland demagogue. Constitutional flaws (ongoing) led to both candidates being united by election votes, leading to the first major constitutional crisis. The House ultimately chose Jefferson. Jefferson won 65% of the Congressional vote.

Despite the fierce struggle, Jefferson’s election marked the first peaceful transfer of contested democratic power. After this fierce contest, often referred to as the “Revolution of 1800,” Jefferson gave his first speech that served as a model for reconciliation in American politics at a critical moment in democracy. His tone of reconciliation surprised many federalists who expected to continue the rancor after such a controversial election.

Despite the complexity and contradictions of his character, Jefferson’s words from his first first speech in 1801 still resonate today. I provide an excerpt here. There are no further comments. This is a strict sentence that has been modified for current English usage. This speech is often seen as a key moment in American political rhetoric. [*]

“Through our political debate and differences, passionate debate and effort sometimes seemed hostile or extreme, especially to those who were not used to a society with free speech, free thinking, and freedom to express their opinions, this is now determined by the voice of the state, which is published in accordance with the rules of the Constitution.

“Everything will bear this sacred principle in mind: the majority will should win in all cases, but what is just must be reasonable.

“Well, let’s unite with our fellow citizens, our hearts and one heart. Even freedom and life are not even boring. And we are called by another name, “We are all Republicans, as we are attractive, as we are appealing, as we are appealing, as we are appealing, as we are appealing, as we are, from our land, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as we are, as

“If anyone wants to disband this union or change the shape of the Republican Party, and if reason is free to fight, then please don’t let it be interrupted as a monument to safety where false opinions are tolerated.

“It’s true that some honest men know that the Republican government is not strong and that this government is not strong enough, but honest patriots know that this government has abandoned the government that has protected us from a free and solid fear in the full tide of successful experiments.

“I don’t trust you. I believe this is, on the contrary, the most important government on the planet. I think that in the appeal of the law, everyone is the only person who flies to the standard of law and meets the invasion of public order as his own personal concern.

“Then follow our federal and Republican principles – our commitment to the government of coalition and representatives – for an infinite generation. Let us use our capabilities, enjoy the rewards of our labor, and maintain an equal right to win honor through our actions through our actions rather than childbirth. Should we thrive?

“One more, it is to restrain fellow citizens, the wise and modest governments from being injured on one another, and otherwise leaving them free to regulate their own pursuit of industry and improvement, and the bread they have acquired cannot be taken from the mouth of labour.

“If we get lost in these principles at the moment of error or alarm, let’s hurry and follow our steps and regain our own path to peace, freedom and security.”

After Jefferson gave a speech in the Senate room, the Rev. Thomas John Claggett, bishop of Maryland, gave a closing prayer. Prayer called for blessings to the new president and nation, calling for God’s leadership to the nation and its leaders, and for the wisdom, unity and protection of the Republic.

“The storm is over and we’re in the port.”
– Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Adams, March 29, 1801.

Personal

• This reflection relies on widely available historical facts and information. The main source I found useful is Jefferson’s National Call: First First Speech Stephen Howard Browne (2003); Thomas Jefferson: Written by Edited by Merrill D. Peterson (1984); “The United States: Elections in 1800”– The Library of Parliament.

• The political and religious avid partisans act as if Loudmouth Uncle Harry, liberal feminist Melinda and sweet mama Jane were the only ones at the proverb Thanksgiving dinner. Like our own family, our national heritage includes things like them and others, including those who are tired but can’t leave the table. American history is liberalism and John Locke, Republicanism and James Madison, Progressiveism and Elizabeth Warren, Populism and Donald Trump.
  All of these are part of our DNA and we make us. Perhaps this is obvious, but it turned out to be that table where no one could leave. I’m certainly more than my family, but whether I like it or not. That includes you.

  After a lifetime of crossing the sword, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson reconciliated and died as enemies of the Former, who came to cherish differences.

other

[*] First address– Summary, more complete excerpts, whole document.

“When I drove my bib down the mountains…” – From “One of the famous love letters in English,” Jefferson’s long correspondence with his close friend, Maria Coswaya skilled Anglo-Italian artist and musician known for her beauty and social influences – a relationship known as “platonic”. The response includes an astonishing 12 pages exampleSpecific letters of ; Quote (December 24, 1786). Apparently mme. Feeling warm towards Jefferson, Cosway didn’t know what to do with all his stories about his “head” and “heart.”

Pastor Thomas John Claggett – The first bishop of the newly formed Anglican Church of America. The third pastor of the US Senate appointed at the first session held in Washington, DC (1870).

Tip #203 – The second wind

Tip #202 – After Strongman

Approx. 2 + 2 = 5