LAD #9: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Thomas Jefferson modestly accepts the task as president in his first inaugural address. In this, Jefferson remains adamant that this duty may be far too great for his talents as a politician. Yet, he continually promises the people of America that he will discover resources of zeal and wisdom through which he will be able to resolve the physical, commercial, and industrial issues presented through the countries recent expansions. Defined by Jefferson, in order for the nation to be successful the people of this sovereign land must unify their efforts for the common good of American society. He continually advocated tolerance, stating that, although individuals within the nation will undoubtedly differ in their opinions, they will at least uphold the same ideologies in respect to virtue. Even with issues to this tolerance movement being proposed by social opinions idolizing Republicanism, as will inevitably occur with minorities present, Jefferson states explicitly that they are entitled to disagree with the viewpoints of others. In this, the examples and experiences of history, rather than the actions of a current era, would act as the model for which changes to society could be made. With European influence being suppressed by a unified movement towards social independence rather than simply the Atlantic Ocean, individuals could now make significant strides towards the development of Republicanism and Federalism. Now, sovereign in its truest form, America has been placed into a state of political growth, forever forging a sort of "religion" through political expression in favoring the virtues of honesty, gratitude, temperance, and love for all of man kind. Every man is now guaranteed "equal rights to the use of their faculties"but, despite the viewpoints of many, honor and confidence are not something bestowed upon you at birth, rather they must be grown through these civic virtues. Too, the government now has been given the responsibility to ensure these liberties are not denied to any man. With these virtues of the public in mind, Jefferson then transitions into a state of promise. Expressing his own political priorities, Jefferson seeks to provide for the social equality and liberties of all men despite their opinions regarding politics or society; he seeks to support the domestic policy rights of State Governments while also offering support for the Federal Government's efforts towards peaceful foreign policy; he seeks to offer his full agreement with the wishes of the majority; he seeks to maintaining a well trained militia until a full time army can be established; he seeks to advocate for the supremacy of an agricultural society while also ensuring that an individuals rights to speech, trial by a jury, and press are not infringed upon; finally, but all the more importantly, he promises to uphold all of the ideals stated above to the best of his ability but, in his humility, seeks the forgiveness of the American people if he, despite all of his positive initiatives, fails. In the end, despite any ill judgments that he may make, his primary concern is to provide for the liberties and happiness of the American people.