“With equal pleasure I have as often taken notice that Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people -- a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs, and who, by their joint counsels, arms, and efforts, fighting side by side throughout a long and bloody war, have nobly established general liberty and independence.”-Federalist #2
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Cultural Unity at Our Founding
Washington gives a view of the nation's shared values in his Farewell Address (see Mark’s entry below). Publius expresses similar sentiments as the Constitution was being debated:
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3 comments:
Wahington's and Jay's are also pleas for unity, it should be noted.
Yes, I was thinking about that as I re-read the quotes. They had hoped to avoid that dreaded “factionalism” that might divide the country. It seems that both quotes reflect their hopes and aspirations rather than the reality. That still gives us insight into their worldview and values.
This passage brings home the fact that America today has sunk to the depths of multiculturalism.
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