There is talk of a convention in
Philadelphia. They are to discuss a
binding Constitution; I hope to attend, if
only to have an effect on the style of
its prose.
I expect that any constitutional document that emerges from Philadelphia
will be as compromised as our
Declaration of Independency.
I am increasingly persuaded that the earth
belongs exclusively to the living,
and that one generation has no more right to
bind another to its laws and judgments
than one independent nation has the
right to command another.
But surely the Constitution, as it did with the ones we
wrote for our own States, is meant to
establish the stability and the
long-term legality essential to the
continuation of civilized society.
Yes, possibly, but I fear it could prove a
breach in the integrity of our
revolutionary ideals through which will
pour the forces of reaction.
Doctor, Mr. Jefferson's pet topic is not the artful
arrangement of political power, but the
cordoning off of a space in which no
power exists at all.
You, sir... you are a walking contradiction!
We're all contradictions Mr. Adams.
Indeed, yes, and what is government, ultimately, but
the putting into effect of the lessons
which we have learned in dealing with
the contradictions in our own characters.
You have a disconcerting lack of faith in
your fellow man, Mr. A, and in yourself,
if I may say.
Yes, and you display a dangerous excess of faith in your fellow
man, Mr. Jefferson.
Well, I'm sure we'll all disagree a great deal...
