Got Hamilton…?

…well, Aaron Burr did.  He got Hamilton with his pistol on July 11, 1804 along the bank of the Hudson River.  Hamilton and Burr had a less than cordial relationship going back some years, and I cannot help but think of the vitriol that had to be stewing to lead to the death of a former President.  Hamilton announced that he would leave the Federalist Party (which he founded with Madison, John Jay and others) should Aaron Burr become the Federalists’ Presidential candidate, but instead he became Vice President in 1800.  Aaron Burr followed later by running for governor of New York under the Federalist Party ticket, and he and Mr. Hamilton backed Jeffersonian Morgan Lewis.  Alexander Hamilton died the following day, July 12^th, 1804. 

I always find it repulsive when people whine about the lack of civility in politics: as though it gets any more uncivilized than one politician shooting another.  There is a weird, as Palin would say, “backasswords” understanding of the Duel though.  During our current campaigns, it is much easier for people to take pot-shots at one another or make ad hominem accusations.  You are supposed to develop a thick skin and let it roll off though; whether that means you are more virtuous than your opponent, or just that you have less character to assassinate.  But there is something almost refreshingly manly about two men willing to defend their honor in such a way. 

I also want to thank BigGovernment for posting a small blip about today’s importance. 

-rj