Carol Kelly-Gangi

Would you really like to know what the founding fathers would have said about the current elections and state of things in our country? You have only to listen to the voices of the past that come through with stunning relevancy, no psychic medium or seance needed. I started out by bookmarking the pages that I found particularly intriguing but on nearly every page there is something to make you laugh, catch your breath at chilling predictions of what was to be, and eery parallels to events of today. For example,

John Adams to his wife Abigail,"We live, my dear soul, in an age of trial. What will be the consequences, I know not."

Alexander Hamilton in the Federalist Papers,"It seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force."

Thomas Jefferson, letter to Henry Lee, August 10, 1824, "Men by their constitutions are naturally divided into two parties: 1. Those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes. 2. Those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe, although not the most wise depository of the public interests. In every country these two parties exist; and in every one where they are free to think, speak, and write, they will declare themselves."

Most of the quotes are only a sentence or two, but they provide enough thought for a day. I have been meaning to read more complete writings by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson but never seem to get around to it. This little book of gems is just over 100 pages with short biographies of the authors in case we forget who John Witherspoon or William Prescott was. I can think of a few other departed patriots that I would love to have a discussion with if I ever get the chance, but this is a satisfying read. It fits into a pocket for some quick reading, perhaps while you stand in line to vote this election year. I highly recommend it for readers of any political party in any country. How did we get so many brilliant minds in one place? Their wisdom transcends the centuries. Carol Kelly-Gangi has provided us with a wonderful reminder of who we are and where we came from.… (meer)