Monday, February 23, 2009

History Repeating Itself

In light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

Banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.

This is not meant to be a political blog. It's supposed to be about me, me, me. Unfortunately, I can't seem to hide under a rock and keep finding interesting historical comments that apply today.

Two viewpoints:

“History informs us of past mistakes from which we can learn without repeating them. It also inspires us and gives confidence and hope bred of victories already won.”
William Hastie

“It is not worthwhile to try to keep history from repeating itself, for man's character will always make the preventing of the repetitions impossible.”
Mark Twain

I think Mark had it right.

I just wish I was smart enough to have originated something worthwhile to add. I guess it's all been said before.

1 comment:

  1. First Thank you for the Blotter from the Alaska paper. Yes I think making someone stay at work when there is no work is kidnapping. Now that has nothing to do with your post all to do with MY post.

    Now in comment to YOUR post because sometimes it's not all about ME.
    Ronald Regan said
    'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it'

    Yeah I never can come up with pithy witty comments when I need them

    ReplyDelete