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An open letter...
Saturday, 6 November 2010 12:39Dear stupid Americans* who believe that (political) virtue is some sinister fanatical concept invented by the evil, befanged, seagreen, viriginal Robespierre,
Allow me to cite one of your precious "Founding Fathers":
"To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea."
- James Madison, 20 June 1788.
Please note that Madison is using "virtue" in much the same way Robespierre would. Now, granted, Robespierre would say that the people is inherently virtuous, but Madison, though he implies that it is possible for the people not to be virtuous, nevertheless bases his entire political system on the virtue of the people.**
Therefore, consider that success or failure of the republic rests on your virtue. And then, if you please, consider trying to have some.
No love,
Estelle
*ie, those Americans who are stupid. I'm not implying that all Americans are stupid. Just to clarify.
**In the same speech Madison also says the following: "But I go on this great republican principle, that the people will have virtue and intelligence to select men of virtue and wisdom [as their representatives] [...] we do not depend on their virtue [that of the representatives], or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them."
Allow me to cite one of your precious "Founding Fathers":
"To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea."
- James Madison, 20 June 1788.
Please note that Madison is using "virtue" in much the same way Robespierre would. Now, granted, Robespierre would say that the people is inherently virtuous, but Madison, though he implies that it is possible for the people not to be virtuous, nevertheless bases his entire political system on the virtue of the people.**
No love,
Estelle
*ie, those Americans who are stupid. I'm not implying that all Americans are stupid. Just to clarify.
**In the same speech Madison also says the following: "But I go on this great republican principle, that the people will have virtue and intelligence to select men of virtue and wisdom [as their representatives] [...] we do not depend on their virtue [that of the representatives], or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them."
