LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Being Maryland, Not Virginia, Guess What You Can Do Here, With Impunity

Tell the truth about Thomas Jefferson and criticize him. Particularly here at Washington C. This is Washington's territory; he and Jefferson were deeply estranged when Washington died.


The estrangement didn't come out of anything petty, but over popular pushback to Jay's treaty, the first case of partisan obstructionism in the United States, directed largely by the politically ambitious Jefferson (Martha Washington thought Jefferson's election as president in 1800 the greatest misfortune ever to befall the country). Washington was adamently opposed to partisonship in government, deeming political parties the broad paved path to the destruction of national unity. Jefferson created party politics here and Washington could not forgive him for that.

Besides, in Maryland you can say all the negatives about Virginia you want. They love it, for in Maryland Virginia is perceived as Jefferson country.

Trivia: we're going to dinner at Toad Hall tonight. (The link's a pdf.)

The property cobbled out of three plantations is now being run by the sister (director of the Kent County Council for the Arts) of this guy.

No sun today. Definitely not hot. Perhaps rain for the next three days? I'm looking forward to my 7 - 8 days in NYC coming right on up -- just in time for the seasonal wardrobe changeover.

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