In the United States, 2012 is a presidential election year. As American citizens we are privileged to take part in the democratic process. However, for many of us the campaign messages bombarding us from television, social media, and countless other mediums is exhausting.
The closer we get to election day, the more the campaign messages seem to be something negative about the other candidate. Our friends want to have heated discussions about issues near to their heart. Yes, I am passionate about my beliefs, and I have my own political opinions, but I look forward to post-election America — yes, there will be some people very upset their candidate didn’t win, but they can get over it.
Living in our nation’s capital, I am fortunate to have so many great things to photograph. Last weekend, some out-of-town guests visited me again. They were here in the spring, but this time they returned with their husbands. It was quite funny to watch these “fellow” photographers turn their husbands into pack mules as we walked for miles photographing most everything we saw.
One of the ladies was my high school English teacher. On the last trip, she was a bit disappointed we didn’t have time to visit the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress. Earlier this year, I wrote a blog post about an earlier visit to it, and she was determined to see it for herself.
I am a big fan of Thomas Jefferson for many reasons. Yes, he was our third president, but he did so many other things. So, this election year I thought, “What would Thomas Jefferson Do (WWTJD)?” I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes and some photographs.
- “I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”
- “I cannot live without books.”
- “The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.”
- “The end of democracy and the defeat of the American Revolution will occur when government falls into the hands of lending institutions and moneyed incorporations.”
- “Information is the currency of democracy.”
- “The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness. Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the governors.”
- “Educate and inform the whole mass of the people…they are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.”
- “A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have.”
- “If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as a sorry state as the souls who live under tyranny.”
- “That government is best which governs least, because its people discipline themselves. If we are directed from Washington (heads of an organization) when to sow and when to reap, we will soon want for bread.”
- “The most truthful part of a newspaper is the advertisements.”
- “A room without books is like a life without meaning.”
NOTE: Please don’t steal my work — see my copyright notice below. If you’re a charitable organization or an educational institution, and you’d like to use any of my images, send me a message. But please, ask me first. Thank you. If you do decide to purchase a print, all purchases will benefit the Friends of the Wounded Veterans.
jeandayfriday said:
The pictures are stunning! And I love the words of Thomas Jefferson. He got the big picture! 🙂
Jamie Adams said:
Thank you! And yes, he did! 😀
icedteawithlemon said:
Your photos are absolutely beautiful–so much so that I will be disappointed to see my own! Please continue to photograph and share so many of our national treasures so that we can all enjoy the wonders of this great land!
Jamie Adams said:
Thank you! You were there that day! I am anxious to see what stuff you captured. With three photographers at the same location at the same time, always produces diverse images!
Donna Circle said:
It would be interesting to know just how many elected officials are familiar with the wise words President Jefferson spoke. Our Fore-Fathers were truly men of the people, which cannot be said for many who are in government these days.
As always great pictures!
Jamie Adams said:
So true and good question. And thank you!!!
stephanissima said:
What fantastic shots!
Thomas Jefferson was wise. We need more wise people like him these days. They’re probably out there, but they should speak up a little louder
Jamie Adams said:
Agreed!!!!! And Thank you!