Western Civ or something? You start to see my patterns. Good intentions at the beginning, meandering at the ends

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10/5/06

Dr. *****

4.         I’m not positive about the true definition of Madison’s reading, but I think he is saying that in order to be considered a faction, a group must have a singular interest or passion that runs contrary to the majority rule.  If this is the case then I most definitely agree with him.  The ability to even discuss whether or not certain groups within our country are factions and the whole process (to include the groups themselves) being completely within the law is a perfect example of how unique and special our lifestyle is in America. 

            The very concept of a democratic government allows for a certain amount of internal criticism and questioning.  The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Revolution itself were all created and carried out by a bunch of radicals who wanted a better life for themselves and were willing to die for it.  To question the existence of factions within a democratic society is to question the democracy itself. 

            I believe that the existence of factions within a democratic society helps to prevent stagnation and promotes forward thinking.  Without factions, we would still be singing “God Save The Queen.”

3.         Any figure from the 18^th and 19^th centuries when viewed in the correct context was a hero.  Benedict Arnold was a hero until he sold us out.  General Nathan Bedford Forrest was a hero to the Confederate Army.  Citizens of a nation have a tendency to mythologize their founding patrons, and we are no different.  Wasn’t it Hamilton who shot and killed Aaron Burr in a duel?  You have never heard of any general uprising about that event.  So John Hancock smuggled some trade goods into and out of the colonies to make a little profit.  I don’t think anyone these days will hold that against him.

Seeing as how the colonies at that time were still colonies and therefore under British rule, England had every right to prosecute Hancock.  If a native tribal priestess on Hawaii decided that she had just about enough of our “annexation” of their islands and decided to start destroying American products and opened trade with North Korea for milk and bread, how do you think the government would react?  We would send in the boys to “keep the peace.”  Same situation, different take.  At least the colonists didn’t have to put up with tourists.