Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 85, 1788
Now I must admit there is a great fondness in my heart for Alexander Hamilton, he lived on the island I grew up on and as a real outsider in colonial America, a bastard in the historical sense, he still pushed and contributed to the well being of a fledgling nation.
Yes, if called on I will admit I am a Hamiltonian not Jeffersonian.
Still this quote is possibly one of the most perfect quotes I have seen regarding politics and the people who run for office. Are you really looking for a paragon of virtue or someone who can get the job done?
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Comments: 11
Mark, you are getting to the point. Do we need to agree 100% with an official to agree that they did a good job or contributed to the well being of the country? Hamilton's efforts to establish a national bank gave a fledgling nation the solvency to expand. He was also a very proud man and why he was drawn out in the duel with Aaron Burr. Does his character flaws negate his gifts?
I ask this not just to reflect on the past, but to analyze our present decisions for leaders. What do we really want?
It is so easy to inflate the less desirable qualities, but do we then lose perspective on the successes?