Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Unchanging Game Of Politics...!

I guess that the world of politics has not changed much since the very beginning.

For the most part, the main problem seems to be that the politicians are but mere humans, complete with all the frailties! The weaker the man's character, the weaker his strengths as a politician. This story reflects that very thing!


Jun 13, 1807:
Thomas Jefferson subpoenaed in Aaron Burr's treason trial

President Thomas Jefferson receives a subpoena to testify in the treason trial of his former vice president, Aaron Burr, on this day in 1807. In the subpoena, Burr asked Jefferson to produce documents that might exonerate him.

Burr had already been politically and socially disgraced by killing former Treasury secretary and Revolutionary-era hero Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804. After killing Hamilton, Burr, still Jefferson's vice president, went into hiding to avoid prosecution for murder. (The charges were later dropped.) Burr then concocted a seditious plan to enlist the help of Britain and Spain to create a separate nation in the southwestern reaches of the American continent, including parts of Mexico, over which Burr would rule. The outrageous plan failed miserably when one of Burr's co-conspirators, General James Wilkinson, betrayed Burr and alerted Jefferson to the plot. Burr was hunted down and arrested in 1806 and indicted for treason.

Jefferson expressed in his personal papers that he felt no love or loyalty to Burr despite their former political relationship. Burr had run a close and contentious election against the republican Jefferson in the 1800 campaign. After the election resulted in a tie, the vote went to the House of Representatives. Only after Alexander Hamilton reluctantly lobbied for Jefferson did the House select Jefferson for the presidency instead of Burr. This was only one of the many grievances Burr held against Hamilton that led to the fatal duel.

Jefferson refused to appear in Burr's defense and released only a few of the documents Burr had requested, invoking his presidential right to protect the public interest. If Jefferson's intent was to help get Burr convicted, his refusal to supply documentation backfired. In the end, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall found Burr not guilty by lack of evidence.

It would be nice to see some level headed men with true backbone and hearts to match get in office for a change, but for some reason that seems unlikely!

Fresh coffee on the patio this morning. How about some fresh baked brownies as well? Sound good?

9 comments:

Momlady said...

Something else left out of the history textbooks....figures.

Gorges Smythe said...

I always thought that the treason charge was interesting, considering that the land wasn't yet owned by the U.S., Burr's plan merely interfered with Jefferson's dream of "manifest destiny."

Ben in Texas said...

We've had crocked politicians as long as we've been around. Ain't never going to chance. Just got to learn to live with it and choose the best of the bad lot.

Sixbears said...

The problem with politics is that it is practiced by politicians. We'd do better if people were just picked in a lottery.

Dizzy-Dick said...

A level headed man would not want to run for office. That is one reason this countries political scene is so rag-tag.

linda m said...

I am not a big fan of politics. I feel most politicians are crooked in some way. I usually end up voting for the "lesser of two evils". Must say I kind of like "Sixbears" idea of just picking them in a lottery. I'll be over to sit on the porch swing and have coffee and brownies. Looks like a good morning for that.

HermitJim said...

Hey Momlady...
Funny how so many things are not taught!

Thanks for the visit today!


Hey Gorges...
I'm not sure as to why the charge of treason either!

Sure was a lot going on back then!

Thanks for coming over today!


Hey Ben...
Hate to say it, but it seems that there are fewer and fewer honest folks in government. That goes for local as well as fed.

Thanks, buddy, for coming by today!


Hey Sixbears...
Ya know, that might not be a bad idea! Couldn't make things any worse, I think!

I appreciate the visit today!


Hey Dizzy...
Seems to me that the only reason folks run is money or power!

So many seem to go bad once in office!

Thanks for coming over today, DD


Hey Linda...
I have to go along with you on that!

Coffee and brownies does hit the spot today!

Thanks for coming by today!

JO said...

Thanks for another history lesson.

Ready for refill please.

HermitJim said...

Hey JoJo...
It is certainly my pleasure to share a little knowledge.

Thanks, sweetie, for coming over today!