#johnadams — Public Fediverse posts

WRITING THE DECLARATION #2: Editing &c. 📜 J. Adams (1776)

https://marekbennett.com/2026/07/29/1776-john-adams-writing-02/

Writing the Declaration #2: Editing (& Voting!) 📜 John Adams (1776)

https://marekbennett.com/2026/07/29/1776-john-adams-writing-02/

A quotation from John Adams

   We are to look upon it as more beneficial, that many guilty persons should escape unpunished, than one innocent person should suffer. The reason is, because it’s of more importance to community, that innocence should be protected, than it is, that guilt should be punished; for guilt and crimes are so frequent in the world, that all of them cannot be punished; and many times they happen in such a manner, that it is not of much consequence to the public, whether they are punished or not.
   But when innocence itself, is brought to the bar and condemned, especially to die, the subject will exclaim, it is immaterial to me, whether I behave well or ill; for virtue itself, is no security. And if such a sentiment as this, should take place in the mind of the subject, there would be an end to all security what so ever.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Speech (1770-12-03/04), Argument for the Defense, Boston Massacre Trial

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/15073/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #bostonmassacre #nothingtolose #civilrights #crime #criminal #exoneration #guilt #guilty #innocence #innocents #justice #lawandorder #moralhazard #protection #punishment #security #socialcontract #justicesystem

A quotation from John Adams

   We are to look upon it as more beneficial, that many guilty persons should escape unpunished, than one innocent person should suffer. The reason is, because it’s of more importance to community, that innocence should be protected, than it is, that guilt should be punished; for guilt and crimes are so frequent in the world, that all of them cannot be punished; and many times they happen in such a manner, that it is not of much consequence to the public, whether they are punished or not.
   But when innocence itself, is brought to the bar and condemned, especially to die, the subject will exclaim, it is immaterial to me, whether I behave well or ill; for virtue itself, is no security. And if such a sentiment as this, should take place in the mind of the subject, there would be an end to all security what so ever.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Speech (1770-12-03/04), Argument for the Defense, Boston Massacre Trial

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/15073/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #bostonmassacre #nothingtolose #civilrights #crime #criminal #exoneration #guilt #guilty #innocence #innocents #justice #lawandorder #moralhazard #protection #punishment #security #socialcontract #justicesystem

Great American gardeners | Coastside Magazine Online https://www.allforgardening.com/1881676/great-american-gardeners-coastside-magazine-online-3/ #agriculture #BenjaminFranklin #crop #farmer #garden #gardener #gardening #JohnAdams #manure #NativeSpecies #NaturalEnvironment #plant #PlantAgriculture #PrimarySector #seed #soil #SoilFertility #UnitedStates #WashingtonState

Great American gardeners | Coastside Magazine Online https://www.allforgardening.com/1881676/great-american-gardeners-coastside-magazine-online-3/ #agriculture #BenjaminFranklin #crop #farmer #garden #gardener #gardening #JohnAdams #manure #NativeSpecies #NaturalEnvironment #plant #PlantAgriculture #PrimarySector #seed #soil #SoilFertility #UnitedStates #WashingtonState

Great American gardeners | Coastside Magazine Online https://www.allforgardening.com/1881284/great-american-gardeners-coastside-magazine-online-2/ #agriculture #BenjaminFranklin #crop #farmer #garden #gardener #gardening #JohnAdams #manure #NativeSpecies #NaturalEnvironment #plant #PlantAgriculture #PrimarySector #seed #soil #SoilFertility #UnitedStates #WashingtonState

Great American gardeners | Coastside Magazine Online https://www.allforgardening.com/1881284/great-american-gardeners-coastside-magazine-online-2/ #agriculture #BenjaminFranklin #crop #farmer #garden #gardener #gardening #JohnAdams #manure #NativeSpecies #NaturalEnvironment #plant #PlantAgriculture #PrimarySector #seed #soil #SoilFertility #UnitedStates #WashingtonState

Great American gardeners | Coastside Magazine Online https://www.allforgardening.com/1881165/great-american-gardeners-coastside-magazine-online/ #agriculture #BenjaminFranklin #crop #farmer #garden #gardener #gardening #JohnAdams #manure #NativeSpecies #NaturalEnvironment #plant #PlantAgriculture #PrimarySector #seed #soil #SoilFertility #UnitedStates #WashingtonState

Great American gardeners | Coastside Magazine Online https://www.allforgardening.com/1881165/great-american-gardeners-coastside-magazine-online/ #agriculture #BenjaminFranklin #crop #farmer #garden #gardener #gardening #JohnAdams #manure #NativeSpecies #NaturalEnvironment #plant #PlantAgriculture #PrimarySector #seed #soil #SoilFertility #UnitedStates #WashingtonState

A quotation from John Adams

I had met with an Observation among regular Officers, that Mankind were naturally divided into three Sorts. One third of them are animated at the first appearance of danger, and will press forward to meet it and examine it; another third are allarmed at it: but will neither advance nor retreat, till they know the nature of it: but stand to meet it: the remaining third will run or fly upon the first thought of it.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Autobiography, Notes on Diary Entry for 1776-10-01 (1807)

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/8389/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #advance #alarm #bravery #courage #cowardice #danger #excitement #fear #panic #retreat #risk #riskassessment #runningaway

The Living Signatories to The Declaration of Independence and the American Jubilee

America celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 4, 1826. Just three signatories to The Declaration of Independence, Adams, Jefferson, and Charles Carroll of Carrollton, lived to see the day. I look at their stories as related to July 4, 1826

https://thenewleafjournal.com/the-living-signatories-to-the-declaration-of-independence-and-the-american-jubilee/

#July4 #IndependenceDay #AmericanJubilee #ThomasJefferson #JohnAdams #CharlesCarroll #DeclarationOfIndependence

Today, America celebrates its 250th birthday. 200 years ago, America celebrated its Jubilee. On the occasion of America's 50th, three signatories to The Declaration of Independence still lived. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson famously both died on July 4, leaving Charles Carroll as the last living signatory. Carroll would live on until 1832. In my new article, I collected some quotes and stories about Adams, Jefferson, and Carroll related to the American Jubilee.

https://thenewleafjournal.com/the-living-signatories-to-the-declaration-of-independence-and-the-american-jubilee/

#July4 #IndependenceDay #DeclarationOfIndependence #ThomasJefferson #JohnAdams #CharlesCarroll

A quotation from John Adams

The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. — I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1776-07-03, p.m.) to Abigail Adams

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/6048/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #celebration #DeclarationofIndependence #fourthofjuly #independence #independenceday #fireworks

Continuing my rewatch of John Adams on HBO and, given the date, and the current state of the US, I am incredibly sad. The current president and the GOP are destroying our constitutional democracy, violating Constitutional requirements and norms for the pursuit personal power and profit, with no regard for public interest. It's excruciating to be reminded of the ideals upon which the government was founded when you see the sh*t show we have now. #FourthOfJuly #HBO #JohnAdams

Continuing my rewatch of John Adams on HBO and, given the date, and the current state of the US, I am incredibly sad. The current president and the GOP are destroying our constitutional democracy, violating Constitutional requirements and norms for the pursuit personal power and profit, with no regard for public interest. It's excruciating to be reminded of the ideals upon which the government was founded when you see the sh*t show we have now. #FourthOfJuly #HBO #JohnAdams

RE: https://friendica.world/display/84b6ef2b-176a-47ee-cd27-bf2451052013

#JohnAdams was aware that then, like today, keeping the principles of the #DeclarationOfIndependence alive would be a difficult, perhaps bloody, task -- but that it would be worth it.

RE: https://friendica.world/display/84b6ef2b-176a-47ee-cd27-bf2451052013

#JohnAdams was aware that then, like today, keeping the principles of the #DeclarationOfIndependence alive would be a difficult, perhaps bloody, task -- but that it would be worth it.

Movie TV Tech Geeks #TVFeatures #JohnAdams #PaulGiamatti Now Is the Perfect Time To Watch HBO’s 7-Episode American Epic http://dlvr.it/TTLTg7

A quotation from John Adams

I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1776-07-03, p.m.) to Abigail Adams

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/5205/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #declarationofindependence #usa250 #America #DeclarationofIndependence #endsandmeans #noregrets #paytheprice #prophecy #struggle

A quotation from John Adams

I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1776-07-03, p.m.) to Abigail Adams

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/5205/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #declarationofindependence #usa250 #America #DeclarationofIndependence #endsandmeans #noregrets #paytheprice #prophecy #struggle

A quotation from John Adams

Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men. A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony “that these united Colonies, are, and of right ought to be free and independent States, and as such, they have, and of Right ought to have full Power to make War, conclude Peace, establish Commerce, and to do all the other Acts and Things, which other States may rightfully do.” You will see in a few days a Declaration setting forth the Causes, which have impell’d Us to this mighty Revolution, and the Reasons which will justify it, in the Sight of God and Man. A Plan of Confederation will be taken up in a few days.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1776-07-03, a.m.) to Abigail Adams

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/78463/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #declarationofindependence #semiquincentennial #usa250 #america

Movie TV Tech Geeks #TV #HBO #BandofBrothers #JohnAdams 10 Perfect HBO Shows With 20 Episodes or Less http://dlvr.it/TTL7c1

Movie TV Tech Geeks #TV #HBO #BandofBrothers #JohnAdams 10 Perfect HBO Shows With 20 Episodes or Less http://dlvr.it/TTL7c1

Even though John Adams is portrayed as an annoying douchecanoe that everyone hated that’s largely a bit of editorializing by Peter Stone & Sherman Edwards. While Adams was abrasive, pedantic & conceited, he was still widely respected and well regarded.
#RetroView #4thOfJuly #1776 #JohnAdams

Even though John Adams is portrayed as an annoying douchecanoe that everyone hated that’s largely a bit of editorializing by Peter Stone & Sherman Edwards. While Adams was abrasive, pedantic & conceited, he was still widely respected and well regarded.
#RetroView #4thOfJuly #1776 #JohnAdams

Happy John Adams's Independence Day! Adams thought the holiday would be celebrated on the day the Lee Resolution was passed (the 2nd rather than the 4th). Seems like a great day to start the Adams series if you haven't already! #history #POTUS #JohnAdams https://www.presidenciespodcast.com/201-adams-pre-presidency/

Happy John Adams's Independence Day! Adams thought the holiday would be celebrated on the day the Lee Resolution was passed (the 2nd rather than the 4th). Seems like a great day to start the Adams series if you haven't already! #history #POTUS #JohnAdams https://www.presidenciespodcast.com/201-adams-pre-presidency/

Writing the Declaration #1 (1776)📜 John Adams

https://marekbennett.com/2026/07/02/writing-the-declaration-1-1776%f0%9f%93%9c-john-adams/

Writing the Declaration #1 (1776)📜 John Adams

https://marekbennett.com/2026/07/02/writing-the-declaration-1-1776%f0%9f%93%9c-john-adams/

A quotation from John Adams

Your “ἄρiςτοi” [aristocrats] are the most difficult Animals to manage, of any thing in the whole Theory and practice of Government. They will not Suffer themselves to be governed. They not only exert all their own Subtilty Industry and courage, but they employ the Commonalty, to knock to pieces every Plan and Model that the most honest Architects in Legislation can invent to keep them within bounds.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1813-07-09) to Thomas Jefferson

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/84725/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #aristocracy #aristocrat #classwarfare #government #lobbying #politicalinfluence #politicaltheory #politics #power #propaganda #ruleoflaw #upperclass

A quotation from John Adams

Your “ἄρiςτοi” [aristocrats] are the most difficult Animals to manage, of any thing in the whole Theory and practice of Government. They will not Suffer themselves to be governed. They not only exert all their own Subtilty Industry and courage, but they employ the Commonalty, to knock to pieces every Plan and Model that the most honest Architects in Legislation can invent to keep them within bounds.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1813-07-09) to Thomas Jefferson

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/84725/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #aristocracy #aristocrat #classwarfare #government #lobbying #politicalinfluence #politicaltheory #politics #power #propaganda #ruleoflaw #upperclass

A quotation from John Adams

The substance and essence of Christianity as I understand it is eternal and unchangeable and will bear examination forever but it has been mixed with extraneous ingredients which I think will not bear examination and they ought to be separated

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1825-01-23) to Thomas Jefferson

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/84580/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #Christianity #cruft #dross #purification #puritanism #religion #superstition

“This Tea Is Too Cheap!” #2 🫖 (Boston Tea Party / 16 Dec. 1773)

https://marekbennett.com/2026/05/12/boston-tea-party-2/

“This Tea Is Too Cheap!” #2 🫖 (Boston Tea Party / 16 Dec. 1773)

https://marekbennett.com/2026/05/12/boston-tea-party-2/

A quotation from John Adams

We must come to the Principles of Jesus. But, when will all Men and all Nations do as they would be done by? Forgive all Injuries and love their Enemies as themselves? I leave those profound Phylosophers whose Sagacity perceives the Perfectibility of Humane Nature, and those illuminated Theologians who expect the Apocalyptic Reign, to enjoy their transporting hopes; provided always that they will not engage us in Crusades and French Revolutions, nor burn us for doubting.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1816-02-02) to Thomas Jefferson

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/83698/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #progress #forgiveness #extremism #fanaticism #goldenrule #hope #humannature #humanity #ideal #Jesus #loveyourenemy #loveyourneighbor #zealotry

A quotation from John Adams

We must come to the Principles of Jesus. But, when will all Men and all Nations do as they would be done by? Forgive all Injuries and love their Enemies as themselves? I leave those profound Phylosophers whose Sagacity perceives the Perfectibility of Humane Nature, and those illuminated Theologians who expect the Apocalyptic Reign, to enjoy their transporting hopes; provided always that they will not engage us in Crusades and French Revolutions, nor burn us for doubting.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1816-02-02) to Thomas Jefferson

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/83698/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #progress #forgiveness #extremism #fanaticism #goldenrule #hope #humannature #humanity #ideal #Jesus #loveyourenemy #loveyourneighbor #zealotry

Großartige Aufführung des #AuroraOrchesters unter der Leitung von #NicholasCollon gestern in der #Isarphilharmonie im #GasteigHP8: Der #Bolero als durch die Zuschauerreihen ziehender #Flashmob. Rhytmisch klatschender, direkter Übergang zu "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" von #JohnAdams. Danach #Gerschwin "Rhapsody in Blue" & "I Got Rhythm" mit #HayatoSumino am Klavier. Schließlich eine mitreißende Performance von Strawinsky "Le sacre du printemps". Ein toller Abend!

A quotation from John Adams

I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1800-11-02) to Abigail Adams

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/83621/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #presidency #president #WhiteHouse

A quotation from John Adams

I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1800-11-02) to Abigail Adams

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/83621/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #presidency #president #WhiteHouse

A quotation from John Adams

While all other Sciences have advanced, that of Government is at a Stand; little better understood; little better practiced now than 3 or 4 thousand years ago. What is the Reason? I say Parties and Factions will not Suffer, or permit Improvements to be made. As Soon as one Man hints at an improvement his Rival opposes it. No sooner has one Party discovered or invented an Amelioration of the condition of Man or the order of Society, than the opposite Party, belies it, misconstrues it, misrepresents it, ridicules it, insults it, and persecutes it.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1813-07-09) to Thomas Jefferson

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/36370/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #censorship #factions #government #parties #partisanship #politicalscience #politics #progress #publicpolicy

A quotation from John Adams

While all other Sciences have advanced, that of Government is at a Stand; little better understood; little better practiced now than 3 or 4 thousand years ago. What is the Reason? I say Parties and Factions will not Suffer, or permit Improvements to be made. As Soon as one Man hints at an improvement his Rival opposes it. No sooner has one Party discovered or invented an Amelioration of the condition of Man or the order of Society, than the opposite Party, belies it, misconstrues it, misrepresents it, ridicules it, insults it, and persecutes it.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1813-07-09) to Thomas Jefferson

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/36370/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #censorship #factions #government #parties #partisanship #politicalscience #politics #progress #publicpolicy

‘They said: You’re out of your mind’: Luca Guadagnino on directing controversial opera The Death of Klinghoffer https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/apr/19/they-said-youre-out-of-your-mind-luca-guadagnino-on-directing-controversial-opera-the-death-of-klinghoffer #Opera #Culture #ClassicalMusic #Music #Stage #Theatre #JohnAdams #LucaGuadagnino #Film

‘They said: You’re out of your mind’: Luca Guadagnino on directing controversial opera The Death of Klinghoffer https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/apr/19/they-said-youre-out-of-your-mind-luca-guadagnino-on-directing-controversial-opera-the-death-of-klinghoffer #Opera #Culture #ClassicalMusic #Music #Stage #Theatre #JohnAdams #LucaGuadagnino #Film

Movie TV Tech Geeks #TV #HBO #JohnAdams #SharpObjects 8 Near-Perfect HBO Miniseries Nobody Remembers http://dlvr.it/TS3Zxq

Movie TV Tech Geeks #TV #HBO #JohnAdams #SharpObjects 8 Near-Perfect HBO Miniseries Nobody Remembers http://dlvr.it/TS3Zxq

A quotation from John Adams

We have now, it seems a National Bible Society, to propagate King James Bible, through all Nations. Would it not be better, to apply these pious Subscriptions, to purify Christendom from the corruptions of Christianity; than to propagate those Corruptions in Europe, Asia, Africa and America!

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1816-11-04) to Thomas Jefferson

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/51365/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #Bible #Christianity #corruption #evangelism #missionary #moralimperative #priority #proselytization #purification

Today is my Vice Presidencies co-host's birthday! 🎉 If you haven't already, while we're celebrating Alex's birthday, check out the fun we have learning about all of the veeps starting with the one and only John Adams. #history #VPOTUS #JohnAdams https://www.presidenciespodcast.com/vpotus-001-john-adams/

Movie TV Tech Geeks #TVFeatures #JohnAdams #PaulGiamatti 18 Years Later, HBO’s 7-Part Historical Miniseries Is Still Near-Perfect http://dlvr.it/TRcn46

A quotation from John Adams

As to the history of the Revolution, my Ideas may be peculiar, perhaps Singular. What do we mean by the Revolution? The War? That was no part of the Revolution; it was only an Effect and Consequence of it. The Revolution was in the Minds of the People, and this was effected, from 1760 to 1775, in the course of fifteen Years, before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1815-08-24) to Thomas Jefferson

More about this quote: wist.info/adams-john/5585/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #johnadams #change #changeofheart #changeofmind #heartsandminds #history #mindset #publicopinion #revolution

Today marks the anniversary of the first inauguration of John Adams in 1797. This occasion marked the first peaceful transition of power between heads of state. A cornerstone moment in the great experiment of democracy.

In John Adams inauguration address he said:

"Returning to the bosom of my country after a painful separation from it for ten years, I had the honor to be elected to a station under the new order of things, and I have repeatedly laid myself under the most serious obligations to support the Constitution. The operation of it has equaled the most sanguine expectations of its friends, and from an habitual attention to it, satisfaction in its administration, and delight in its effects upon the peace, order, prosperity, and happiness of the nation I have acquired an habitual attachment to it and veneration for it."

"What other form of government, indeed, can so well deserve our esteem and love?"

"There may be little solidity in an ancient idea that congregations of men into cities and nations are the most pleasing objects in the sight of superior intelligences, but this is very certain, that to a benevolent human mind there can be no spectacle presented by any nation more pleasing, more noble, majestic, or august, than an assembly like that which has so often been seen in this and the other Chamber of Congress, of a Government in which the Executive authority, as well as that of all the branches of the Legislature, are exercised by citizens selected at regular periods by their neighbors to make and execute laws for the general good. Can anything essential, anything more than mere ornament and decoration, be added to this by robes and diamonds? Can authority be more amiable and respectable when it descends from accidents or institutions established in remote antiquity than when it springs fresh from the hearts and judgments of an honest and enlightened people?"

"In the midst of these pleasing ideas we should be unfaithful to ourselves if we should ever lose sight of the danger to our liberties if anything partial or extraneous should infect the purity of our free, fair, virtuous, and independent elections. If an election is to be determined by a majority of a single vote, and that can be procured by a party through artifice or corruption, the Government may be the choice of a party for its own ends, not of the nation for the national good. If that solitary suffrage can be obtained by foreign nations by flattery or menaces, by fraud or violence, by terror, intrigue, or venality, the Government may not be the choice of the American people, but of foreign nations. It may be foreign nations who govern us, and not we, the people, who govern ourselves; and candid men will acknowledge that in such cases choice would have little advantage to boast of over lot or chance."

In a letter to his wife the next day, Adams wrote:

"In the Chamber of the House of Representatives, was a Multitude as great as the Space could contain, and I believe Scarcely a dry Eye but Washingtons. The Sight of the Sun Setting full orbut and another rising tho less Splendid, was a novelty." 

His full inauguration address is available here:

https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/adams.asp

When my family and I took a tour of Congress Hall in Philadelphia, we sat in the room where this ceremony took place. Apparently, at that time many people believed that George Washington would not willingly relinquish his office. The park ranger told us that the crowd that Adams described came to see if this peaceful transition of power would indeed, really take place. A novelty, indeed! 

We should not take for granted how novel this is, how fortunate citizens of the USA have been to see this tradition honored and preserved, and how easily it could all be lost.

#JohnAdams #GeorgeWashington #Peace #PeacefulTransition #USPolitics #USPol #Constitution #USConstitution #PresidentialElection #USPresidents