And now, a message from Thomas Jefferson

[Abelman]

"Men by their constitutions are naturally divided into two parties: 1. Those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes. 2. Those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe, although not the most wise depositary of the public interests. In every country these two parties exist, and in every one where they are free to think, speak, and write, they will declare themselves. Call them, therefore, Liberals and Serviles, Jacobins and Ultras, Whigs and Tories, Republicans and Federalists, Aristocrats and Democrats, or by whatever name you please, they are the same parties still and pursue the same object. The last one of Aristocrats and Democrats is the true one expressing the essence of all." --Thomas Jefferson to Henry Lee, 1824. ME 16:73

It amazes me how spot-on he was.

Here's a short version of his take on religion:
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/jeff1650.htm

[Starlight]

1. amazing. thanks. n/t

[Bronco69]

2. Thanks for that

Me and ole Tom are two peas in a pod. :-)

[NEOBuckeye]

3. Thanks. Good message.

It rings as true today as it ever has.

[MsConduct]

4. He was something alright, we need him now! n/t

[Abelman]

5. AND

He actually knew something about religion. Ala "The Jefferson Bible." He'd tell * where to shove it.

[jacksonian]

6. "The last one of Aristocrats and Democrats

is the true one expressing the essence of all."

Wow. So true.

Aristocrats, good name for 'em.