I subscribe to the Founder’s Quote Daily from The Patriot Post. This quote came in my email today…
“Some talked, some wrote, and some fought to promote and establish it, but you and Mr. Jefferson thought for us all. I never take a retrospect of the years 1775 and 1776 without associating your opinions and speeches and conversations with all the great political, moral, and intellectual achievements of the Congress of those memorable years.” –Benjamin Rush, to John Adams, 1812
Many people discount the amazing contributions of John Adams because of the history that was written about him – or – maybe better stated – NOT WRITTEN ABOUT HIM. Personally, I loved David McCullough’s book about John Adams. I had always found John Adams to be an impressive character. Can you imagine having the fortitude to stand-up against your fellow patriots in 1773 to defend the British Soldiers who fired into the crowd during the Boston Massacre?
John Adams did. He felt that every man deserved a defense and defend those soldiers he did. He was derided and chastised by his relatives and friends, but he knew what was RIGHT. So, he defended them.
Day by day, week by week, year by year… John Adams did what was right. Oh yes! He was prideful, but he had the honor and privilege of having a great woman standing beside him (and behind him when she knew it was time). Abigail Adams held him in check and kept him from going too far into self-doubt, pridefulness, etc.
In the end, there is a reason that virtually every book that honors our Founding Forefathers has three essential individuals:
George Washington
and
JOHN ADAMS!
Many books will include this character or that, but those three are in every book I have seen and read on the subject of the great men who stood on this City Upon the Hill and led the charge to independence.
To gain a much better understanding of this great man, read David McCullough’s book:
Or.. watch the mini-series (although I was not overly enthralled with the mini-series.Paul Giamatti did a great job but made John Adams seem almost petulant.)
