Bush (accidentally?) misquoted Jefferson at Monticello on the 4th of July

[underpants]

Bush's rendition of Jefferson includes a telling misquote of an 1826 letter about the Declaration. Therein, Jefferson reflects:

"May it be to the world, what I believe it will be -- to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all -- the Signal of arousing men to burst the chains, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government."

BUSH'S SPEECHWRITERS left out a critical caveat. After the words "burst the chains" Jefferson continued "under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves." This omission matters because the full quote reflects Jefferson's long-held doubts about democracy taking root elsewhere.

Unlike Bush, Jefferson believed that before democracy can flourish, citizens and their culture must be receptive to democratic principles, including the rule of law and respect for minority rights.


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--a thoroughly excellent analysis and history lesson in this article--
Bush's War Betrays the Sage of Monticello's Vision for Liberty
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/opinion/oped.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-07-10-0010.html
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To encourage democratic choices, Jefferson offers timeless ideas that future presidents should consider anew:

FIRST, JEFFERSON commends the power of example. In 1801, he wrote that "a just and solid republican government here will be a standing monument and example for the aim and imitation of people of other countries."

For true Jeffersonians, advancing American values abroad begins with defending them at home. For starters, Jefferson's writings speak eloquently to protecting Habeas Corpus and to the "humane" treatment of prisoners of war.

Second, Jefferson counsels the use of information to promote democracy. As he wrote in 1810, "No one more sincerely wishes the spread of information among mankind than I do, and none has greater confidence in its supporting free and good government."

As in the Declaration of Independence's opening sentence, America ought again to have "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind." Dialogue with the world should be encouraged, not avoided. Respect for those beyond our borders engenders respect for America.

Third, Jefferson advocates education as the most important instrument for undermining cultures of dictatorship. As Jefferson wrote in 1816, "Enlighten the public generally, and tyranny and oppression of mind and body will vanish like the evil spirit at the dawn of day." To such ends, he founded the University of Virginia.
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--The letter itself is here. It appears to be TJ's last letter written--
Thomas Jefferson to Roger C. Weightman
Monticello, June 24, 1826
http://www.rjgeib.com/thoughts/jefferson/jefferson.html

[Richardo]

1. No way that was accidental

I'd expect that prepared remarks go throught dozens of reviews and revisions.

[underpants]

2. Yeah

I could post the pictures of W fully engaged in involved in writing his 2003 SOTU speech but we all know that story..when the 16 words got exposed suddenly he had NOTHING to do with it, it was Hadley who is still receiving tax payer money as salary.

[truth2power]

4. The Neocons (faux fundie whackjobs)

and the real fundie whackjobs are never responsible for anything. Ever.

[GodlessBiker]

3. "Monkish"? It was also a slap at religion. * would not have that.

[paparush]

5. Bush - The Great Orator - Never would have gotten through this line:

"under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves."

They probably rehearsed it half a dozen times and the boy King just butchered it every time.

Actually, I believe this post is 100% accurate: that Team Bush** was shaping the message, once again leaving out Inconvenient Truths.

======

Its really not fair to compare Bush to Hitler.....

Hitler was an EXCELLENT public speaker!

;-)

[Fearless]

6. As well as a motivator of men too.

And sadly the unfortunate boy king is only responsible for the deaths of some 660,000. But keep reaching for the stars my friend. :sarcasm: