Abigail Adams wrote the famous words to her husband, John, at the Continental Convention, “...and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.” (March 31 - April 5, 1776)
John Adams responded, "As to your extraordinary Code of Laws, I cannot but laugh. We have been told that our Struggle has loosened the bands of Government every where. That Children and Apprentices were disobedient -- that schools and Colledges were grown turbulent -- that Indians slighted their Guardians and Negroes grew insolent to their Masters.
But your Letter was the first Intimation that another Tribe more numerous and powerfull than all the rest were grown discontented...." (April 14, 1776)
Abigail Adams wanted this new "democracy" to be inclusive--something fledgling democracies--and our own--still struggle to attain.
Ralph Ellison, in the essays of, Shawdow and Act (Vintage, 1995, reprint of 1964 essays); and James Baldwin's essays in, The Fire Next Time (Vintage, 1992, reprint of 1963 essays) not only recognize the necessity of justice in a political community--but also, the importance of culture, humor, morality, and humanity. Democracy requires respect for the humanity and dignity of all.
(More from these writers later.)
The title of this blog comes from the preamble to the Constitution of the United States. It provides a clue to what this blog is about: a discussion of current events and political affairs within the framework of larger political ideals that have motivated and moved people for centuries. The ideas for this week are: inclusion, justice, and humanity--and the meaning of democracy. Join in the discussion. Let me know what you think. FYI, I've copied the preamble to the Constitution below.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
