John Adams and the Fear of Aristocracy (HD)

America's TownHall: Authors Luke Mayville and Richard Alan Ryerson discuss the second president’s most intimate political thoughts.

[@stephenyoung8069]

And thank you people so much for making these videos. You may not get many views, but I believe those of us that do watch are greatful such high quality intellectual conversations concerning John Adams are available for free on youtube.

[@Thomas-rs9iw]

Adams' insight is worthwhile to reflect on as we see growing interest and focus (on the part of Bernie Sanders and in some of the messaging associated with Trump's campaign) on combating growing wealth inequalities. Enlightening conversation!

[@billthompson7072]

The HAVING of power is an illusion - yet true if exercised.

[@stephenyoung8069]

I enjoy how TR is put forth as the ideal executive in an Adams view on government. I wish more time was spent concerning what he thought of Aristocracy. In a letter to Jefferson Adams describes a scenario where there were 100 men. For one reason or another (charm, intelligence, wealth, bravery) 10 of these men were able to convince one other person to vote the same way they did. These 10 men in Adams view were Aristocrats. Also, in a letter to Taylor of Caroline where he is responding to the charge that aristocracy does not exist in America, John asks why it is that so often this criticism is leveled by wealthy southerners who make their fortunes on the backs of slaves? He then states that Taylor is the epitome of the aristocracy he has spent decades warning people against.

[@geraldmantel4955]

Does Tucker Carlson agree with any of this?

[@geraldmantel4955]

In China the government has control over the aristocracy whereas in the US the opposite situation exists.

[@geraldmantel4955]

Conspiracy theory!