Cal Thomas: Run, Fred, Run

Human Events.com ^ | 04/17/2007 | Cal Thomas

[Rick_Michael]

“Burr’s lamentations or based on fact.”

I never really studied anything about Burr. It just seemed as though he was in a land of his own.

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“Washington was a coward who got lucky. Jefferson was a wimp without honor. Hamilton was a spineless banker who whispered ugly rumors about his political enemies, etc.”

Washington was not an intellect, but he was absolutely essential in keeping the military together...not much of a general either, actually. He was sort of lucky. Although his best aspect was his axioms of ethics...one could only wish we would have another president like him. He’s not perfect but he was an excellent example for future presidents.

Jefferson was highly idealistic...probably too much at times. Adams was imo the most even-minded person of that era. He was in between conservative and libertarian. I would say their conversation ring true to that permanent arguement between the two. That’s why I like them so. Because the two were invaluable to political history.

Jefferson was not a man in ‘white’...he was very politically savy, and could be very offensive in indirect manners.

Hamilton...well, I don’t hold a high opinion on his perspective. I think his philosophy of politics was destine to win (becaue it demanded more government), but it’s creation caused more chaos than good. He was as bad, if not worse than Jefferson in his indirect attacks.

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“I also recommend Vidal’s treatment of Lincoln.”

I have mixed feelings on Lincoln. I think he was the most coldly pragmatic president we’ve had. People think he was idealistic, but I don’t get that impression at all.

I don’t really like either side on the Civil War. It seems like they wanted war against each other; but then again it’s more of our founders fault than Lincoln or the south. To a point I understand Lincoln’s actions and approach.

I might check his books out. I’m not sure if I’m interested in Burr, though. His mark was only left with the bullet in Hamilton.

I’d reccomend: American Sphinx (The Character of Thomas Jefferson) by Joseph J Ellis.

The guy has a liberal leaning in it, but I think he’s fairly objective in his view of Thomas.

[massadvj]

I think you should at least pick up Burr and take a look at it before you disregard it. It isn't about Burr so much as the times, and it is a very interesting take, indeed. Not politically oriented at all, but a look at that era through the eyes of a guy who was an officer in the Revolutionary War, in the center of the post-war politics, tried to stir rebellion in Texas before its time, and outlived all of his contemporaries.

[Rick_Michael]

I might.