argue passionately about today.
The task before the original and probably the only true America's 'best and brightest"
was daunting. It took the entire Summer of 1787, beginning on May 25th at Independence
Hall in Philadelphia and was completed with the signing by the delegates from the states
on September 17th.
There is much to be learned by researching available information on line, including the
most complete notes taken by James Madison who attended every day of the convention.
They can be found on this site: http://www.nhccs.org/Mnotes.html
I did not go through all the notes Madison took, but was curious what Madison wrote on
the last day.
Madison's note began with a statement by Benjamin Franklin which is worthy of our attention
today . Franklin said then was exactly what the American people should hear today.
He began by saying there was some elements he could or would never support, but he
added his respect for the wisdom of the others was stronger than his own convictions.
What Franklin said was not the "compromise" we hear about today. It goes deeper.
He spoke of his infallibility was no superior to any other man's. He felt it was so important,
he needed to speak before the members would decide whether or not to sign the document.
He also said his and colleagues criticisms stay within Independence Hall, not be used for their
own benefits with constituents. Franklin believed solidarity was paramount.
(I highlighted some points)
Remind your elected officials of the wisdom of Franklin words and the extraordinary efforts of
the men who gave up up the Summer of 1787 and created a constitution which was the bedrock
that allowed our nation to become the greatest in history.
Understanding what Franklin said can make all the difference when the people we elected confront
issues more overwhelming and complex.
From Madison's Notes:
FRANKLIN rose with a speech in his hand, which he had reduced to
writing for his own conveniency, [2] and which Mr. Wilson read in the
words following.
Mr. President
I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do
not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them:
For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being
obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change
opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but
found to be otherwise.
It is therefore that the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my
own judgment, and to pay more respect to the judgment of others. Most
men indeed as well as most sects in Religion, think themselves in
possession of all truth, and that wherever others differ from them it
is so far error. Steele a Protestant in a Dedication tells the Pope,
that the only difference between our Churches in their opinions of the
certainty of their doctrines is, the Church of Rome is infallible and
the Church of England is never in the wrong.
But though many private persons think almost as highly of their own
infallibility as of that of their sect, few express it so naturally as
a certain french lady, who in a dispute with her sister, said "I don't
know how it happens, Sister but I meet with no body but myself, that's
always in the right -- Il n'y a que moi qui a toujours raison."
( There is only me who is always right.)
In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution with all its
faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary
for us, and there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to
the people if well administered, and believe farther that this is likely
to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in
Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall
become so corrupted as to need despotic Government, being incapable of
any other. I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain, may
be able to make a better Constitution. For when you assemble a number of
men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble
with those men, all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of
opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views. From such an
assembly can a perfect production be expected? It therefore astonishes
me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it
does; and I think it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with
confidence to hear that our councils are confounded like those of the
Builders of Babel; and that our States are on the point of separation,
only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another throats.
Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better,
and because I am not sure, that it is not the best. The opinions I have
had of its errors, I sacrifice to the public good. I have never
whispered a syllable of them abroad. Within these walls they were born,
and here they shall die.
If every one of us in returning to our Constituents were to report the
objections he has had to it, and endeavor to gain partizans in support
of them, we might prevent its being generally received, and thereby lose
all the salutary effects & great advantages resulting naturally in our
favor among foreign Nations as well as among ourselves, from our real or
apparent unanimity.
Much of the strength & efficiency of any Government in procuring and securing
happiness to the people, depends, on opinion, on the general opinion of
the goodness of the Government, as well as well as of the wisdom and
integrity of its Governors. I hope therefore that for our own sakes as a
part of the people, and for the sake of posterity, we shall act heartily
and unanimously in recommending this Constitution (if approved by
Congress & confirmed by the Conventions) wherever our influence may
extend, and turn our future thoughts & endeavors to the means of having
it well administered.
On the whole, Sir, I can not help expressing a wish that every member of
the Convention who may still have objections to it, would with me, on
this occasion doubt a little of his own infallibility, and to make
manifest our unanimity, put his name to this instrument. --
He then moved that the Constitution be signed by the members and offered
the following as a convenient form viz. "Done in Convention by the
unanimous consent of the States present the 17th. of Sepr. &c -- In
Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names."
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