John + Abigail

Abigail and John wrote constantly to each other.   I wonder if they talked like this to each other, also?  Here is one of my favorite romantic excerpts from one of John’s letters:

I want to take a walk with you in the garden—to go over to the common, the plain, the meadow.  I want to take Charles in one hand and tom in the other, and walk with you, Nabby on your right hand and John on my left, to view the corn fields, the orchards. . .

Alas, poor imagination!  How faintly and imperfectly do you supply the want of [the] original and reality!

She is brilliant

I am more convinced that man is a dangerous creature, and that power whether vested in many or few is ever grasping.  He who is most strenuous for the rights of the people, when vested with power, is as eager after the prerogatives of government.   - Abigail Adams

Wow.  Well said, Abigail Adams.

Maybe I'll editorialize this in a later post.

There is danger from all men.

There is danger from all men.  The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with the power to endanger public liberty.    

- John Adams

John Adams provides us with a great litmus test, or measuring stick, for our government.  Have we trusted a man (or a group of men) with the power to endanger public liberty?  This is a good question, and one that can be debated endlessly.  Let me try to play both sides. 

Our president has been given (or has assumed) way too much power, insomuch that he has, indeed, crossed the line into endangering public liberty.  Where?  When?  How? The greatest argument supporting this assertion is taxation and government spending.   It is no secret that our current president has spent more money than the last ____ presidents combined.   Having never had to keep a balanced budget in his life (I don’t think that’s a stretch), he simply does not have the worldview or experience of economic/financial responsibility.   The concept of not spending what you don’t have is simply foreign to him, and I daresay it does not enter into his realm of possibilities that there be a balanced budget or a decrease in our national debt.  His definition of a deadbeat nation is one that does not raise its debt ceiling.  My definition of a deadbeat nation is one that is not spending within its means.  To be fair, I doubt there are but a few presidents who have behaved as financially responsible as I think one should; but comparatively speaking, this president has to take the cake.  In addition, he has unilaterally stepped in to rescue private companies with government spending, creating an even bigger burden on the taxpayers. 

So, he has spent a lot of money, I’ll give you that.  But how has that impacted your personal freedoms, or “endanger[ed] public liberty”?

Bad economic policy creates poverty and dependence on the government.  Poverty and freedom are rarely seen together.  Ask the millions on food stamps, and the record number of people holding up cardboard signs at intersections these days.  It is not the government’s job to ensure employment for everyone; and ironically enough, when they try to do that with misguided principles (more government spending), it has the opposite effect.   Has my personal liberty been impacted by this president?  Hmmm.  I honestly think not, at least not directly.  I am not satisfied with my answer to your question; but this is where I stand right now. . .

Furthermore, it’s the Congress that approves spending, not the President.  

I’ll give you that one.  And so I’ll expand Adam’s statement to a plurality: “trust no man, or group of men” with the power to endanger public liberty.  Shame on those who voted for bailouts, who could not pass a balanced budget, and those who (at the very same time) live much more extravagantly than the average American.  This is one reason we had such a dramatic shift in the 2010 elections; many constituents did not agree with the huge increase in government spending.

So, government spending.  That’s all you got?  Pretty weak evidence to support the allegation of endangering public liberty. 

Yeah, I’ll stop here, I think.  Sure, I have my gripes with this president—and about 95% of our current politicians; but I’m unable to articulate how this post’s quotation from Adams relates to modern politics.    It’s a combination of my lack of knowledge of details, and my inability to write politics well. 

I like the quotation, though!

**This is the third post based on quotations I've lifted from my reading of David McCullough's book, John Adams.  

Cicero and Adams on political discourse

But as it is a most fitting rule for the entire life, that we shun passion, by which I mean emotions that transcend the control of reason, so conversation ought to be free from emotions of this kind, that thus no anger or inordinate desire may show itself, and that at the same time there be no appearance of listlessness, or indifference, or anything of the kind. We must also take special care to preserve the bearing of respect and esteem for those with whom we converse.
                                                                                          - Cicero


Thank you Cicero!  I have long wondered (and written about) how I can engage in political discussions without getting all worked up, angry, and resentful.  I need to avoid "emotions that transcend the control of reason".  Of greater importance is that last caution above, to "take special care to preserve the bearing of respect and esteem for those with whom we converse."  I am confident that if I remember this, I can have meaningful, productive discussion with others.  It's simple, I know; and I already knew it.  But I like the way Cicero puts things, and this helped me approach the problem from another perspective.

Another important factor in effective discussion is brought to us by John Adams, when he wrote, as paraphrased by McCullough (page 99)*:

The art of persuasion. . . depend[s] mainly on a marshaling of facts, clarity, conviction, and the ability to think on one's feet.  True eloquence consist[s] of truth and "rapid reason".

Many times I am tempted to argue a point when I only have a general idea or notion of the facts at hand.  It is much better for me, and the person I talk with, that I have a "marshaling of facts" so that I can be "clear".  Something else poignant about this last quotation: unless you are speaking truth, can you speak with eloquence?  I don't think so.

In typing this, it all seems a little elementary.  Oh well.  I'm learning something!




*I am still making my way through John Adams, by David McCullough.  Just passed the halfway point; about 300 more pages to go!

My third wedding band

I lost my first wedding band just weeks after we were married.  Well, it's not lost, technically.  I do know its general location.  It's at the bottom of Utah Lake.  Perhaps during the millennium we can go search for it.  So, for a long time I wore a ring I found in Patricia's jewelry box that she got from her sister.

Then, on a trip to Coeur d'alene one year, we wandered into a shop that sold Native American jewelry.  Patricia and I bought matching bands inlaid with turquoise and red stones.  That was my wedding band for probably about ten years.  Until.  A couple of weeks ago I tried to take it off.  Ouch.  It was stuck (you see, I have gained fifteen pounds since January).  I finally got it off, but decided that it was time for another wedding band.  Easier than exercise or portion-control.


Utah State Fair to the rescue!  I went to the fair knowing that I would be tempted to buy knives, a salsa maker, and corn on the cob.  And I steeled myself against temptation.  I also mentioned to Patricia that maybe I could find a ring there.  Sure enough, just after we went through Little Kids on the Farm, I found a booth of homemade rings made from old spoons.  I thought that was kind of cool, and stopped to look.  At first glance, it looked like all the rings were too ornate for my taste, or too small.  I almost left the booth.  Instead, I decided to take my time and look through their entire inventory, just in case.  Anna helped me out.  I found one that I liked and at $10, I considered it a bargain.  It helped that the seller was from Taylorsville; I like patronizing small local businesses when I can.

Having been made from a spoon, the ring is not an "eternal round" and I quickly assured Patricia that this new ring in no way symbolized that our love had an end.  Getting this new ring caused me to think of our marriage and I now reflect on the many blessings I enjoy for having married Patricia:

• My kids have the best Mother ever;
• Patricia believes in God, and she supports me in my belief in God;
• Patricia does not compromise her principals--she is a person of integrity;
• Patricia is very intelligent--and I've always found that an attractive quality in her;
• Patricia does not place a high value on material things (lucky for me on a number of levels);
• Patricia thinks of others--she is compassionate;

I am grateful that Patricia said "yes", and that she is patient with me.  One day, I hope to deserve her.

Cicero on Moral Duties

Indeed, no part of life, whether in public or in private affairs, abroad or at home, in your personal conduct or your social relations, can be free from the claims of duty; and it is in the observance of duty that lies all the honor of life, in its neglect, all the shame.                   - Cicero 

Inspired by John Adams, I decided to read Cicero.  I enjoy reading the clear, logical reasoning from somebody who lived so long ago; and it's neat to see that his writing is just as relevant today as it was for the people of his day.

The quote above is how Cicero begins his Ethical Writings: On Moral Duties.  To embrace a duty shows that you have a sense of belonging to a group of some sort.  It implies that you are not alone, and that your actions matter to others.  To reject one's duty, or to deny there is a duty at all, denotes an extreme sense of selfishness (at best) and/or willful antisocial tendencies (at worst).  Maybe it is not that simple all the time, though.  What of those that have no sense of duty because of the way they were raised, because of their environment.  That adds the category of "ignorance" to our reasons why people shun their duty.

I think that few people would argue with Cicero in his above statement; but arguments abound once we begin to delineate which duties pertain to each role in society.  A large part of political argument stems from these disagreements, and I am sure that as I read more Cicero and his contemporaries, I will run across those that disagree with his idea of duties, government, etc.

Something with which I have struggled in my adulthood is defining my duty as a citizen.  I enjoy history, current events, and political theory; and I often feel anxious to share my opinions and debate with others.  What dissuades me from engaging in political debate is that I'm a jerk when I think about politics.   It takes an inordinate amount of self-control for me to censure my thoughts/beliefs about those with whom I disagree.  I have learned this about myself, and this is one reason I stay away from political conversation.  I have yet to master the talent (that comes so easily to many that I admire) of maintaining an unconditional positive regard for others even as I disagree with them.  I am not satisfied with myself in this regard.  At the same time, I try hard not to embrace my automatic thoughts, but coach myself out of irrational, ultra-emotional, reactionary thought processes that can only prove destructive.  I think if I practice more, I may find that my irrationality may dissipate naturally.  You see, I am aware that many of my reactions may simply be reactions to what I think others are thinking/believing--and I could be completely wrong.  Furthermore, conversation may broaden my view of the topic at hand, and this could help soften my rigidity when it comes to vehemently opposing others.  I'll simply have to try more and find out.

But I only want to engage in debate with those I know, with those I care about.  Throwing up political memes on FB seems pointless to me.  To what end?  I'd rather talk with family and friends and learn to enjoy the conversing and associating with good people, instead of focusing on persuading others or being right.  Heh, I like that idea.  

Back to duty.  And Cicero's opening statement.  I do find comfort in knowing my duty and striving to perform it.  At work.  At home.  At Church.  It brings an order and purpose to my life.  I have no trouble viewing my mortality as a large web of duties.

On, around, and about John Adams - entry 2

The preservation of liberty depends upon the intellectual and moral character of the people.  As long as knowledge and virtue are diffused generally among the body of a nation, it is impossible they should be enslaved

In this quotation, John Adams gives two requirements for a people to remain free: knowledge and virtue.  I agree.  It follows, then, that we will lose our freedom to the extent that we lose our "intellectual and moral character".

John Adams and his contemporaries read a lot of books.   He was always reading, and his reading included the great works of his day spanning back to Roman times.  He read in various languages, not just English.  He encouraged his son, John Quincy Adams, to read Thucydides's history of the Peloponesian War when his son was but 10 years old (McCullough, John Adams, pg 171)!  Consider his thoughts on acquiring knowledge:

But all provisions that He has [made] for the gratification of our senses. . .are much inferior to the provision, the wonderful provision that He has made for the gratification of our nobler powers of intelligence and reason.  He has given us reason to find out the truth, and the real design and true end of our existence.  

I consider my own education, my own reading.  Wow.  Pathetic.  I can certainly read a lot more and use more of my free time in the pursuit of knowledge.

I submit that the current decline that we are experiencing in America is a direct result of our stupidity.  We don't read, we don't seek knowledge.  We watch TV much.  We facebook and tweet too much.  We get emotionally carried away with politics, sports, current events, and American Idol (A different post can be dedicated to education and the "knowledge" our children are asked to pursue in school).  We excessively concern ourselves with petty things.  Instead of feasting on knowledge and indulging in the occasional diverting treat, we engorge ourselves with entertainment most of the time, and only occasionally do we unwillingly (and sometimes unwittingly) force ourselves to swallow a spoonful of something really good for us.  And that piece of broccoli that our mom wanted us to eat was ever so small!  

And the moral character of our nation?  Our virtue?  It's sufficient to say that it is too easy to find (or inadvertently bump into) obscenities of all kinds.   We have embraced too much that is wicked.  The fact that people make millions of dollars producing filth, because millions consume it, is very sad.

What can I do?  I can read more.  Watch less TV.  Encourage and join my children in reading and other pursuits of knowledge and wisdom.  And I can live according to the statutes of my religion.  I can also stop patronizing companies that produce filth.  At least that's where I can start.

Note: This is entry #2 based on my highlighted portions of John Adams, by David McCullough.  America would not exist were it not for John Adams.  Thank you, David McCullough, for introducing me to this great man.

Thoughts on, around, and about John Adams - entry 1

Upon common theaters, indeed, the applause of the audience is of more importance to the actors than their own approbation.  But upon the stage of life, while conscience claps, let the world hiss!  On the contrary if conscience disapproves, the loudest applauses of the world are of little value.

John Adams wrote those words to a Harvard classmate of his, Charles Cushing (McCullough, John Adams, p38).  Such an eloquent way of analogizing the virtue of integrity.  I cannot help but think of those in the public sector that appear as actors, living or dying by the opinion of others, seemingly lacking any sense of conviction toward a set of virtuous principles.  But it is silly to focus on the negative--that doesn't help me or you.

So, instead, I'll write about those who have personified integrity.  The first person that comes to my mind is my father.  If I ever describe his character, that is the first word that comes to my mind: integrity.  John Charles Kammerman was a man of his word, a man who was rigorously honest with others and with himself, and a man who lived up to what he believed.

I can't think of a time when my Dad lied to me, or even when I thought he may have lied to me.  Perhaps that is not a big thing; but I am guessing there are not many sons that can say that about their fathers.  I am so blessed to have been his son, and to have benefitted from his example of honesty.

It's funny, I can't think of an anecdote that illustrates this quality in my father.  I can't relate story of him walking miles to return a dime to a customer who overpaid, or anything like that.  I can only offer my simple testimony:  he spoke and acted with integrity.

My dad did not seek the applause of the world.  Instead, he wanted his God's approval.  He always told us kids, "God sent you here to earth for one thing: to see if you could be trusted."  And then he lived and acted in the way he believed God wanted him to.  He also encouraged us to do the same.  He wasn't preachy.  He invited us, asked us to consider things.  He didn't force or demand.  Truly, he was the perfect example of the counsel that Mormons embrace in the Doctrine and Covenants 121: 41

No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

I don't know how exactly, but I think there is a connection between integrity and persuasion.  I'll have to write about that at a different time.

I am about a quarter through John Adams, by David McCullough and it is one of the best books I've ever read.  I've been marking it up a ton, and I've decided to use the highlighted sections as starters for my blog entries. I wasn't planning for this one to be about my Dad, it just happened that way.  Love you Dad.