Whatever happened to Real Americans?

Benjamin Stoddert (1751-1813) Served as a Captain in a Pennsylvania regiment during the Revolutionary War, later he was Secretary to the Continental Board of War, Asked by George Washington to buy tracts of land along the Potomac before word got out of the nations capital being built there. He then transferred ownership to the Government. He helped found the Bank of Columbia to handle the purchases, President Adams made him the First Secretary of the Navy (1798-1801). As such he established 6 Navy yards, and advocated building twelve Ships of the Line. He found himself in an undeclared naval war with France, not having enough Sea power to patrol all the areas of Merchant shipping, he decided the best defence was to attack the French ships in the Caribbean. He also established the Navy Department Library as a result of instructions received from President Adams. Neglecting his own business interests his finances plummeted, after leaving office he did land speculation but lost out, Benjamin Stoddert Died destitute.

These were men with heart, men who believed that you served the Government to Serve your Country. The original Idea behind Congress was to have normal citizens, farmers, merchants, serving the office. People who knew what it was like to be...One of the people.

There was a long period in this nations history when politicians were required to sever ties with business so as to be able to make un-bias decisions for the good of the nation and it's people. Today, there is an atmosphere of greed in the nations Capitol. politicians move into office and try to make it a permanent occupation. They make millions working with Companies they have interest in. They vote themselves raises, receive benefits during office and after they leave.

Maybe what we need is for the people in charge today to take a long hard look at what those that came before them did and planned. A long look back, not just the last 40 years or so. the only time these people today acknowledge anything from the past seems to be when they are quoting someone from their own party to help them in their election.

Take a look back people, look at the plans our Founding Fathers had, and try to live up to their standards.

klay