Now-Ironic Passages from "The Federalist" Papers

During the winter break, I began reading The Federalist, a collection of essays by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, written in support of the Constitution. Each author takes turns presenting editorials on topics such as the dangers from foreign forces, domestic insurrection, economics, and legislative authority, to name a few. The essays provide fascinating historical insights into the rather contentious arguments for and against the development of not only the Constitution, but the nation that was eventually to become known as the United States.

In 2007, the essays also serve to remind us how a democracy is supposed to work, something that the Bush administration seems to have ignored or rejected. Sadly, many of the more stirring passages in The Federalist can now be read in an accusatory tone, if one pretends that George W. Bush is sitting within earshot of one reading the passages aloud.

I've only read the first four or five essays at this point. However, I have already found myself frequently shaking my head or clicking my tongue at certain passages that, while beautifully written and stirringly persuasive, mainly increase my contempt for the ignorance (and inherent danger) of the current administration.

Here then is the first in what may become an occasional feature of Chazzbot: passages from The Federalist that will serve as a reminder of how we got here, and how far away we are being taken from those noble beginnings. Enjoy, citizen!

from The Federalist #4 (written by Jay)

It is too true, however disgraceful it may be to human nature, that nations in general will make war whenever they have a prospect of getting anything by it; nay, absolute monarchs will often make war when their nations are to get nothing by it, but for the purposes and objects merely personal, such as thirst for military glory, revenge for personal affronts, ambition, or private compacts to aggrandize or support their particular families or partisans. These and a variety of other motives, which affect only the mind of the sovereign, often lead him to engage in wars not sanctified by justice or the voice and interests of his people.

More info on the historical background of the essays here.

And here is an important essay on how Bush is steadily, deliberately, and continually eroding the balance of power among the three brances of government.