Below is my column at Fox.com on this Fourth of July and what we can learn from the Framers — not just at the beginning of our nation but at the end of their lives. This is also the date of the passing of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Their renewed friendship in their final years should be a lesson in itself for all of us during this age of rage.
Here is the column:
For many of us, the Fourth of July is a favorite holiday as families gather around barbecues and picnic blankets to this quintessential American experience. Yet, in the midst of the food, fireworks and friends, it is also a holiday to reflect, if only briefly, on what brings us to this moment each year in celebration of the Declaration of Independence.
This year, the holiday seems even more important. The core values that define us as a people are again under attack, particularly the right that defines us as a people: free speech.
In my book, “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage,” I discuss our struggle with free speech through the stories of the heroes and villains of our Republic. Two of those figures, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, also happened to die on this date.
Adams and Jefferson were fierce political enemies who would rekindle their friendship in their final years before they both died on the very same day, July 4, 1826. Jefferson died first at Monticello, Virginia, around noon, He was 83. A few hours later (without knowing of his friend’s death), Adams passed away in Quincy, Massachusetts, at the age of 90.
In his 1826 eulogy for both men, Daniel Webster (like many in the country) could not escape the weighty significance of the date of their mutual passing or accept that it was mere coincidence. For Webster, it was “Providence” that “the heavens should open to receive them both at once.”
As explored in my book, Adams and Jefferson are complex figures who displayed some of the same doubts about core rights that many today harbor. While they would be unlikely to declare our Constitution “trash” on MSNBC or demand that we “reclaim America from constitutionalism,” they had their own crises of faith.
Adams displayed the most shocking collapse in faith after he became president. The man who praised the “Dignity, Majesty, [and] Sublimity” of the Boston Tea Party, immediately turned on his political opponents with a crackdown under the infamous Alien and Sedition Acts. Even members of Congress were not immune from the arrests as he met citizen rage with state rage.
James Madison and Jefferson were appalled by the attack on free speech and even used code in letters to protect their own communications. Madison referred to these prosecutions as the “monster” that dwells within our legal system, emerging during times of fear or anger.
Jefferson would ultimately pardon those convicted under Adams. Yet, he would also yield to that “monster” in using the criminal system to target his own critics, though to a lesser extent as his predecessor.
The story of Adams and Jefferson should seem all too familiar to many today in this presidential election. Jefferson ran against Adams in 1800 on his crackdown of free speech and his use of the criminal justice system against his opponents. He won in part on the issue of free speech, a lesson that should not be lost on Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Jill Stein, Chase Oliver and Cornel West.
If they want history to repeat itself in November, they should make free speech a central issue in their campaigns. Joe Biden is undeniably the most anti-free speech president since Adams in his support for an unprecedented censorship system that a federal court called “Orwellian.”
Yet, there is a broader lesson for the rest of us. Our country in 1800 was as divided and angry as it is today. Indeed, these politicians were not just talking like they wanted to kill each other, they were actually trying to kill each other with the use of sedition prosecutions. Jefferson referred to Adams and his Federalist administration as “the reign of the witches.” Federalists denounced Jeffersonians as “Jacobins” and “traitors.”
Today President Biden and his allies are declaring that democracy will end if Trump is elected and that he will, according to MSNBC host Joe Scarborough, “throw away” democracy. On ABC’s “The View,” host Whoopi Goldberg warned journalists and “gay folk” that Trump is planning to round them up and “disappear you.” Former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., warned that, if Trump wins, this “may well be the last real vote you ever get to cast.”
Back then, the rhetoric was equally overwrought. Media was also openly biased and Federalist newspapers declared that “Murder, robbery, rape, adultery, and incest will be openly taught and practiced, the air will be rent with the cries of the distressed, the soil will be soaked with blood, and the nation black with crimes.”
Conversely, a Jeffersonian writer warned that, if the Federalists were elected, “chains, dungeons, transportation, and perhaps the gibbet” awaited citizens. Others predicted that under Adams they “would instantaneously be put to death.”
So our Constitution and Bill of Rights were written not just for times like our own but in a time like our own.
However, something happened. We came together as a nation. Indeed, in their final years, these two fierce enemies would exchange warm letters and reestablish their friendship and mutual respect.
That may be the greatest lesson of all. If John Adams and Thomas Jefferson could find a core shared identity as Americans, there must be hope for the rest of us. All of the political tensions and animus that followed in our history pales in comparison to that one transcendent moment when we declared as a people that we would be free.
It was a shared moment for Adams and Jefferson that would rekindle as friendship. At the very end of their lives, they remembered who they were and what they meant to each other. It is a moment still shared by all Americans. It reminds us that what we have in common as a free people is far greater than what divides us.
So Happy Fourth of July to us all.
It’s important to be civil. This means that we have to argue and tangle within normative limits. We’re the team on the field that figures things out what the best answer is. We have to mix it up civilly but being civil does not presuppose passivity, actually it’s quite the opposite. You have to get out there on the field and learn to interact, maybe take a punch or two. This is not like a dojo where sticks don’t hit back. People hit back, and that’s ok. We just have to follow the rules in our quarreling. Learn the normative structure, and then get out there and compete, even if you lose every time.
We can accept that they were conflicted then as we are now.
But unlike us they had a strong sense of what’s real and they had a very strong sense of morals and they knew that morals meant freedom from oppression.
Now oppression is used to rob us of ever more of our precious liberty jewels.
Rid us of make believe.
How much money would be saved if Putin were killed tonight?
ZERO – There is never a Power Vacuum. It’s a Zero Sum Game.
You really don’t get it, do you? This war happened because people wanted it to happen. A lot of people are making a lot of money. They probably all sat around a table beforehand and agreed on the terms.
Sure, conspiracy idiot, but the Ukrainian people had no seat at that table. Nor did the Baltic states or Poland.
There were Ukrainians at the table and they are getting RICH.
Provoke Putin with NATO, provoke israel with hamas, tada! Lots of American are getting rich, by design.
It could be $0.00 or it could be billions depending on who did the deed. God or Joe. Although with Joe you only have a small window of time after sundown to get the deed done.
Be careful what you wish for.
For a Democratic Republic to survive, it must ultimately find a way to compromise. God bless the Republic.
“It’s the [Constitution], stupid!”
– James Carville
Well done. Thanks.
Thank you, Dr. Turley! Happy Fourth of July to you and your family!
Thank you John. This was a wonderful piece. As a lawyer and a history buff especially American history and the political battles between these two patriots and their political parties this has always fascinated me. Both pounded the table for free speech until in power. Then during their administrations it was so different. It’s so ironic but they were both subject to human frailty. And each side screamed that society woul end if the other were elected. That they finally made amends and passed on the same day has always intrigued me. Was it fate 🤔🇺🇸 or other? Be well all of you….even the trolls. Happy Fourth. Remember all who fought and died for this union.
Fuk that, remember those that died fighting against this tyranny! If they hadn’t shrouded the true fight over tyranny with slavery people would realize that the Union was intended to be limited!
The problem with a ceasefire is that the Russians would remain in Ukraine. What if Washington
negotiated a ceasefire with the Redcoats: then the British would remain in the colonies.
“The problem with a ceasefire is that the Russians would remain in Ukraine”
… The problem with a ceasefire is that the Ukrainians would remain in Ukraine.
What is Ukraine to begin with?
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lseih/2020/07/01/there-is-no-ukraine-fact-checking-the-kremlins-version-of-ukrainian-history/
Neither of them wanted to be King. Or dictator. Or tried to overturn an election. Even for a day. So there’s that.
That’s what YOU think.
Thank you for your generous commentary.
“If John Adams and Thomas Jefferson could find a core shared identity as Americans, there must be hope for the rest of us.”
Adams and Jefferson loved this country. I wouldn’t count on the revolutionary Marxists who hate this country and want to see it destroyed. If this country is to survive, the Democrat zombies need to wake up.
Really? You talk about getting along then say if you don’t think like me you are a zombie? Get a life. We have elections, vote for the person that best represents you views and accept the results. The party formerly known as Republican needs to take this axiom to heart. If you loose, accept the results.
And yes, Hillary accepted the results as did Al Gore. Neither of them fomented an insurrection to stay in power or grab power that was not given to them by the voters.
Hillary accepts the results? That’s why she initiated a fraud against sitting duly elected President that cost taxpayers millions and subverted Trump’s ability to enact his term. Blow me!
“Really? You talk about getting along then say if you don’t think like me you are a zombie? Get a life.”
I can’t help it if your ability to think is limited. What didn’t you understand. The revolutionary Marxists are trying to destroy the nation and you are one of the zombies sucking his thumb.
Apparently they didn’t find it until their senior years. Isn’t that always the case, for as we age we see the evolution of our society. The view one has is like Einsteins
theory of relativity, where you observe from. Both Adams and Jefferson observed from top down, they both had some skin in the game. Do you suppose an American raised in the country on a farm would view things the same as an American raised in Brooklyn? I think not, neither would generational Americans that have lost family members in wars to secure our society and sovereignty against this very threat of tyranny we find ourselves. Enough of this nonsense and corruption, time to fix it.
S. Meyer: Adams and Jefferson loved this country. Donald J. Trump loves Donald J. Trump. You are the zombie if you can’t perceive this reality.
ROFL
Pretty much every single politician – including Adams and Jefferson is in love with themselves.
Some are also patriots.
I do not doubt the patriotism of Joe Biden – and many democrats.
If you doubt the patriotism of Donald Trump you are a moron.
That said – Adam’s and Jefferson had different views of what was good for this country.
Biden and Trump have different views of what is good for this country.
Whether or not you like it, Trump’s view is more popular than Biden’s and under Trump the people, the country and even the world did better.
While there is some question as to whether alot of those on the left “Love the country” – so many like you want nonsense like PPACA that turns this country even more into Europe’s failed social democracies.
There is nothing wrong with seeking to improve the country you love.
But if you can not think of anyway this country is better than the countries you are trying to transform the US into – then go to those countries. That is what you actually love.
This is the best history lesson by Jonathon Turley that I have ever read and should be a salve that heals our wounds in today’s political battles. I hope it gets read by both sides of the political battles raging on this very important day in history. God Bless Professor Turley and God Bless America.
When They All Sound Alike..
Puppet Watch Is Listening.
*****
On This Independence Day, Puppet Watch wishes to congratulate Professor Johnathan Turley for the release of his new book, “The Indispensable Right”.
Puppet Watch believes that only free speech exposes malicious trolls.
A California-based non-profit
Thanks JT, But you left out where in the Constitution it says the President cannot be charged for crimes committed while in office. I looked and did not see it in the Constitution. Am I missing something? Perhaps that link is coming in an updated post?
Read it:
Treason, Bribery, or other high [high office] Crimes and Misdemeanors.
In other words, anything against the President that the Congress and Senate can muster the votes for.
After impeachment, a president is out of office and vulnerable to prosecution.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Article 2, Section 4
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors
Thank you for this article and all your articles! I wish you and your family the best on this Fourth of July and throughout the year.
Happy Julorth one and all!
I actually think that when politicians want to kill each other, it’s a sign they are doing their jobs and representing their voters. When they are working together with a nod and a wink as they screw over each of their respective voters on all sides, that’s when we get real problems. They are supposed to be going at each other’s throats, so citizens don’t have to go to each other’s throats. That’s the whole point of representation. And the deep state is ruining it. If we don’t get a handle on that, well.. there’s a reason we have a second amendment.
That’s what YOU think.
“you and I ought not to die until we have explained ourselves to each other”
Adams to Jefferson, July 15, 1813
No, the Democrats are not going to kiss and make up with anybody. They will have to be drug from power, kicking and screaming all the way. That is, if the sane people are victorious, which I think is unlikely.
That’s what YOU think!
Question. Out of 46 Presidents. Only one disrupted the transfer of power. One. Which one was it?
That’s easy – Barack Obama!
Sure. The one who authorized the FBI to create an insurance policy in the event Trump won in 2016.
To all my republican friends I want to apologize for not stepping back and looking at the 6 Jan mess, you’re right, it was not an attempt to overthrow the government. It was just patriotic Americans just visiting.
So I am going to each one of my republican friends homes and personally going to shake your hand and apologize, I was wrong.
Now I will have zip ties with me, I will be in riot gear, I will have my face covered, and one or two of my friends may have a weapon of some type. But don’t fear me, I am coming to apologize.
I will have a flag on a 6 foot staff, so don’t worry about getting up and answering the door, I will just flip the staff and bust out a window or two until I get in your home, but don’t worry I am just there to apologize so don’t hide!
And after I come in your home and I can’t find you, don’t worry I will go through every room just to find you… to apologize.
Because that what happened on 6 Jan right?
Freaking democrats trying to blame all those innocent republicans who just wanted to say high and tour the building.
Again , don’t worry I am just going to say hi! Like on 6 Jan, see ya soon!
Please come to my home
“Now I will have zip ties with me”
Out of 2500 people how many had zip ties ? How many zip ties were there ?
“I will be in riot gear”
How many were in riot gear ? I saw none. There must have been some.
Were there as many as the typical BLM protest ?
“I will have my face covered,”
Weren’t masks in the capitol mandated by Pelosi ? Regardless how many were masked – especially at a time when purportedly everyone was supposed to be masked ?
“one or two of my friends may have a weapon of some type. ”
How many weapons and what type ? Is there a single person charged with bringing a firearm into the capitol itself ?
Is there a single person charged with bringing a firearm onto the capital grounds ?
“I will have a flag on a 6 foot staff”
So ?
ATS – your own attempt at satire FAILS.
My home is private property – you have no right to be there – nor Armed, Not unarmed. Not with a flag pole, not without.
The US Capitol is the most significant public forum for free speech in the entire world.
Any claim of Tresspass while congress is in session is a violation of nearly all of the clauses in the first amendment.
Regardless, it is the LEFT that seems to think they can take their political protests to peoples homes.
It is the left that tried to break into Tucker Carlson’s home.
It is the left that was hiding in the bushes at Kavanaugh’s home.
It is the left that protested at supreme court justices homes.
Republicans came to the US Capitol to protest.
And that has those of you on the left TERRIFIED
As well it should.
Your reign of terror is coming to an end.
You should be thankful that Republicans – unlike the left do not punish their political enemies with Guilotines or long prison sentences.
John Say,
Well said.
Actually, the FBI found the zip ties were actually from the Capital PD.
Actual riot gear? I saw some tacti-cool gear. But the riot gear was the Capital PD.
Based off the pictures released, some people had masks on, others did not. However, I will note that the pro-Hamas protesters always seem to be in masks.
The FBI found no firearms inside the Capital building that day, except, of course, the Capital PD.
The Capital building is a public place. Not my home.
Turley can upload another article but can’t eviscerate a troll impeding free speech!
Let freedom Ring! Enough of this nonsense and corruption. Hard times coming boys, remember who put us there, both sides are complicit. Corrupt to the bone.