Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

George Washington on gay marriage and other bigotry

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread
This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion: Presidential (Through Nov 2009) Donate to DU
 
BR_Parkway Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-06-06 05:46 AM
Original message
George Washington on gay marriage and other bigotry


The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent national gifts. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.

It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my Administration, and fervent wishes for my felicity. May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.


The progress we have made since 1790, just astounding.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
xchrom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-06-06 08:21 AM
Response to Original message
1. americans don't like intellectuals.
washington's comments here would rewuire people t actually think and comport themselves in a rational and CONTINUOUSLY evolved fashion.

that's too much work for most americans.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
rockymountaindem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-06-06 08:56 AM
Response to Original message
2. The first modern state to grant full rights to Jews: The United States
How did that happen? It's simple; when the new country was created, there were no laws passed specifically limiting rights granted to Jews. The Jews in America were simply viewed as if they were any other citizen.

Speaking as a Jew, I don't see why we cannot all extend that same level of acceptance to everyone in our country today.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Douglas Carpenter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-06-06 09:27 AM
Response to Reply #2
3. actually Jews in Massachusetts could still not hold office in 1824
Retired President and Massachusetts legistlator-John Adams tried to change that; but failed at the time - link:

http://www.jewishmag.com/81mag/usa4/usa4.htm

"By the Civil War, only North Carolina and New Hampshire still restricted Jewish rights, and those disabilities disappeared in 1868 and 1877 respectively."

link: http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/rightsof/roots.htm

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SaveElmer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jun-06-06 10:40 AM
Response to Original message
4. Washington was a deeper political thinker...
Than people give him credit for...this is a letter to a Jewish Synogogue...expressing Washington's tolerance. I suspect it was written by Hamilton or perhaps Madison (not sure), but it most definitely expressed Washington's views

Here is a link

http://www.au.org/site/DocServer/Washingtons_Letter_To_Touro_Synagogue.pdf?docID=146

Though not formally schooled, Washington had a good grasp of the fundamental arguments animating our country's birth.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view 
this author's profile Click to add 
this author to your buddy list Click to add 
this author to your Ignore list Thu Oct 31st 2024, 06:15 PM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion: Presidential (Through Nov 2009) Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators


Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC