Louisiana Purchase
2007-11-26 19:24:33.060535+00 by Dan Lyke 2 comments
This one's for Columbine: Saturday's "Least I Could Do":
Were you aware of something called 'The Louisiana Purchase'?
Someone actually paid money to buy Louisiana.
2007-11-26 19:24:33.060535+00 by Dan Lyke 2 comments
This one's for Columbine: Saturday's "Least I Could Do":
Were you aware of something called 'The Louisiana Purchase'?
Someone actually paid money to buy Louisiana.
[ related topics: Humor ]
comments in ascending chronological order (reverse):
#Comment Re: made: 2007-11-26 22:35:54.187988+00 by: other_todd
If you look at the extent of the original Louisiana Purchase, you'll know why in Louisiana we say that what's present-day Louisiana was the part Jefferson wanted, and all the rest of it is the bundle-ins he was obliged to purchase as well to get it.
#Comment Re: made: 2007-11-27 07:39:23.466477+00 by: topspin
The Purchase is interesting because Jefferson didn't actually believe the president had the power to make such a purchase, but he did it anyway in the interest of security and opened up the "elastic clause" issue in Constitutional law.
A good question to ask a certain presidential candidate would be: "Do you think Jefferson acted illegally when he performed the Louisiana Purchase and borrowed millions from Great Britain to finance the deal? If it was illegal, do you think it was good thing for the country or not. If no, why wasn't it illegal."
If yes it was illegal and yes it was good for the country, then perhaps the candidate would agree that strict constitutionalism doesn't always work in the best interest of the country.
If yes it was illegal and no it wasn't good for the country, that will be news to Iowa, among several other states.
If no it wasn't illegal, hmmmm..... a little wishy-washy on that strict constitutionalist stance, ain't ya?
That'd be a nice debate question gambit, eh?
The point being that Jefferson was smart enough to put aside his strong feelings about limiting the power of the federal government to do good things for the country. Certain candidates might learn something from ol' Tom.