Jefferson Speaks

From Jefferson's first inaugural address, here are words that seem to me to apply to today. --Del

"During the contest of opinion through which we have just passed, the animation of discussions and of exertions has sometimes worn an aspect which might impose on strangers unused to think freely, and to speak and write about what they think; but this being now decided by the voice of the nation, announced according to the rules of the constitution, all will of course arrange themselves under the will of the law, and unite in common efforts for the common good. All too will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate which would be oppression. Let us then, fellow-citizens, unite with one heart and one mind, let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things. And let us reflect, that having banished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained little, if we countenance a political intolerance, as despotic, as wicked, and as capable of as bitter and bloody persecutions."

Intolerance, especially political intolerance, is the enemy of peace, harmony, and just governance. But we seem to be drowning in intolerance, in divisiveness, in fragmentation by every possible subgroup, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, and even within subgroups. We have far too many politicians and public figures and "activists" who promote the divisiveness loudly, passionately, continuously. We need, desperately, some leaders who can inspire and heal. I pray for that nightly.