tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post6726514400245668121..comments2024-02-29T02:54:19.767-05:00Comments on Babbling Books: James Madison: A Biography by Ralph KetchamBrian Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-40763571949784167672014-07-30T00:53:56.711-04:002014-07-30T00:53:56.711-04:00You're very welcome! Thanks for your own hone...You're very welcome! Thanks for your own honest opinions, although I may not agree with all of them, and for 'listening' to mine!! : )Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-43041582952524080032014-07-29T23:50:49.209-04:002014-07-29T23:50:49.209-04:00Hi Maria - You can stand on a soapbox here wheneve...Hi Maria - You can stand on a soapbox here whenever you want as I love thoughtful and engaging discussion. I am really good with controversial issues too!<br /><br /><br />I agree with there is concerted effort going on to erode public education and it is much more important to preserve the separation of church and state in this areas.<br /><br />I would like to think of myself as moderate leaning to the Left as I believe that a slow and cautious drift towards a progressive society has historically led to almost all human progress and the flowering of virtue. With that said I believe that America has drifted very far to the Right in recent years, and that The Republican party has become an extremist party. The Democrats have drifted to the Right too. There are almost no true liberals in power anymore<br /><br /> Thus I seem to be much more Liberal then I am, at least by international standards. I also wholeheartedly support the Democratic Party because despite its flaws, I think that it is the best chance of stopping what seems a dangerous shift to the Right.<br /><br />Thanks again for the great comments!<br /><br />Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-48493916259169569762014-07-29T23:27:45.181-04:002014-07-29T23:27:45.181-04:00Well, I do see what you mean about government supp...Well, I do see what you mean about government support of a particular religion, but I still think that excessive attention has been paid to these public Christmas displays in recent years. I really don't think that putting a Nativity scene in a public park, for example, constitutes government support of Christianity. To me, government support would mean actually giving tax money to religious institutions.<br /><br /> What I think IS objectionable is the voucher system espoused by Republicans in the case of public education. In Florida, for instance, this was heavily supported by Jeb Bush when he was governor. It's also supported by Marco Rubio. I think this is something TOTALLY out of line for ANY government -- whether state or federal -- to do! If a public school is not meeting state quality standards, then the state government should help said school to meet them, and the best way to do that is to properly fund the school. But since Republicans abhor any type of government support for social causes, they think it's "better" to give parents vouchers so that they can take their kids out of the public school that's not functioning adequately, putting the kids in private schools instead. Many of these private schools are religious schools. THAT I find extremely offensive, and not just because I happen to be a public school employee. It's because any country calling itself democratic and free MUST have a decent public school system. If not, how can people EVER emerge from poverty, and change their lives? The voucher system takes government support away from public schools, giving it to private schools instead.<br /><br />You know, one day I happened to be listening to the radio while my husband was driving me to work, and this conservative guy (his name is Jimmy Cefalo) on an AM station actually made the following statement: "I have no problem with the private sector entirely taking over education," OMG. I saw RED. HE has no problem! Of course not, since he probably makes very good money. But what about poor families?! <br /><br />You see, here's where I think that the government is stepping out of bounds. And it's highly ironic, too, considering how Republicans are ALWAYS chastising the Democrats for doing just that -- stepping out of bounds and over-controlling everything.<br /><br />Well, I'm off my little soapbox now....lol.<br /><br />I will remain a moderate in my views. Too much to the left, or too much to the right, I think, is not good for any society. <br />Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-17687586468453925422014-07-28T23:51:55.793-04:002014-07-28T23:51:55.793-04:00Hi Maria - Thanks for your kind words.
One nice...Hi Maria - Thanks for your kind words. <br /><br /><br />One nice ting about Ketchem's book is that he does point out Madison's flaws too.<br /><br />I think that Diversity of ideas thing is a great thing. I actually think that our modern digital age is promoting this diversity and is thus beneficial.<br /><br /><br />I would quibble with you just a bit about displays of nativity scenes on public grounds (Government Property that is):) As I think you know I am very tolerant of religious beliefs. But one important component of democracy is to protect the rights of minorities, such as non believers. Public places are paid for by my tax money I really do not want my taxes or government supporting any religion. I want the separation of church and state upheld. This is true even though I find many Christian values admirable. One thing that Madison and others did point out is that as soon as a religion is promoted by the government, the religion is now open to attack from all quarters. Once my tax money subsidizes religious symbols, religious theology becomes my business. With all this said I do not think that this is high on the list of problems that American's need to deal with.<br /><br /><br />Thanks for the great comments!Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-24927401302464889822014-07-28T14:21:10.597-04:002014-07-28T14:21:10.597-04:00This does indeed sound like a rather daunting read...This does indeed sound like a rather daunting read, and I love how you note that it's "not for the faint of heart". Lol. However, even though it is indeed a long work, it also seems to be a fascinating one. Ketcham has apparently dedicated himself to being a staunch supporter of Madison and his political theories, and wants to make sure the reader appreciates his subject's complex personality to the utmost.<br /><br />Not knowing much about Madison (shame on me, I know....) I'm delighted that he was totally in favor of a diversity of ideas, so that one idea would not monopolize American culture and influence the government of the time. This is a very salutary approach to politics and government, as well as being what characterizes the American culture. I think this is what has always set us Americans apart from the citizens of other countries -- this dedication to a diversity of ideas. It's also what makes us strong as a nation. Far from finding such a concept threatening, we welcome it! It's fascinating to see how the Founders incorporated this concept into the very fabric of the new country's society and government.<br /><br />I think the concept of the separation of church and state is also an important component of American society, although I don't believe it should be taken as far as it has in recent years, with people trying to actually ban public Christmas displays, for instance. Although it's true that the Founders were for the most part Deists instead of traditional Christians, the fact does remain that Christianity -- especially of the Protestant variety -- is the majority religion in the US. Christian principles have influenced such movements as the abolitionist movement and the civil rights movement.<br /><br />All around, this definitely sounds like a totally engrossing, fascinating portrait of a president who has perhaps not received all the attention he deserves.<br /><br />Thanks for your excellent commentary, as usual!! : ) Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-80414846503908610482014-07-18T09:04:56.210-04:002014-07-18T09:04:56.210-04:00Hi VB - Thanks so much for your kind words.
Gor...Hi VB - Thanks so much for your kind words. <br /><br /><br />Gordon Wood wrote about the political - philosophy mix of America's Founders. His theory is that Madison's generation of people embodied this. Ironically they created a political and social system where such thinker politicians could never get elected to office in the future.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-1558409936300146432014-07-18T03:12:38.451-04:002014-07-18T03:12:38.451-04:00right balance of analysis and commentary is exactl...right balance of analysis and commentary is exactly how I would sum up your blog..It seems this man seemed to be a unique combination of philosophy and politics..Don't you think old brains were good at comprehending everything churning the best from all..I m not sure just a thoughtvbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01815931257531886393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-85009252303108392422014-07-11T09:14:39.587-04:002014-07-11T09:14:39.587-04:00Hi Heidi - Some of those Barnes and Nobles have HU...Hi Heidi - Some of those Barnes and Nobles have HUGE history sections with some books that often surprise. I think that lots of folks are reading stuff on the Founders.<br /><br />Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-91762774185387818432014-07-11T08:54:41.704-04:002014-07-11T08:54:41.704-04:00PS I saw this book on the shelf in Barnes and Nobl...PS I saw this book on the shelf in Barnes and Noble yesterday. I was rather surprised...but my Barnes and Noble has a great history and biography section right at the front of the store. We must have lots of history buffs in my area. I was tempted.....Heidi’sbookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15647096496574605262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-16364558126213477512014-07-09T22:56:17.553-04:002014-07-09T22:56:17.553-04:00Hi Andrew - Indeed this is a big one! As I allude ...Hi Andrew - Indeed this is a big one! As I allude to in my other post, I think that a book this size is really written for those with a special interest in the particular area.<br /><br />I had heard that Caro's biography of Robert Moses was really goos and I want to read it. I live on Long Island so many of our local roads and infrastructure were originally "built" by him.<br /><br />Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-75098998328866936512014-07-09T12:01:18.304-04:002014-07-09T12:01:18.304-04:00Wow, you've been reading some big tomes lately...Wow, you've been reading some big tomes lately, Brian! I love a good in-depth biography. I remember reading Robert Caro's massive biography of Robert Moses years ago, and feeling that I understood not only the man but also the city of New York. I think you'd like that, if you haven't read it already.Andrew Blackmanhttp://andrewblackman.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-77325806326554172692014-07-06T15:19:34.233-04:002014-07-06T15:19:34.233-04:00Hi Harvee - Indeed his ideals have had such an imp...Hi Harvee - Indeed his ideals have had such an impact upon the modern world.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-85610967496627569302014-07-06T15:00:28.233-04:002014-07-06T15:00:28.233-04:00A great president. He left us his ideals.A great president. He left us his ideals.Harveehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03490108303790217277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-20619812620177558282014-07-04T16:27:41.819-04:002014-07-04T16:27:41.819-04:00Hi Heidi -
Thanks so much!
This is really det...Hi Heidi - <br /><br /><br />Thanks so much! <br /><br />This is really detailed and I would say that one should read it if they really want to dig into Madison, his era and his philosophy and who wants to spend a lot of time reading about these things over one's lifetime. As I mentioned this is my thing, It is REALLY dense!<br /><br />I have actually not read any other biographies of him and actually had a little bit of a hard time finding one that I wanted to read. James Madison by Richard Brookhiser is really popular these days. It looks good but some folks complain that it is a bit too short. http://www.amazon.com/James-Madison-Richard-Brookhiser/dp/0465063802Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-23324808461485243982014-07-04T14:09:11.226-04:002014-07-04T14:09:11.226-04:00I've read this post several times over the pas...I've read this post several times over the past week. Great post. The book sounds appealing on one level, and daunting on another. I read a positive review on the Lynn Cheney biography, but I reckon it's not in the same league as this one! I do love Madison, what I know about him. I loved studying him with my daughter for US History. Is there a shorter biography of Madison that you would recommend? Or do you think I could branch out on this one? I do want to read that Jonathan Edwards biography from Yale Press soon too.Heidi’sbookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15647096496574605262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-77927197784615513262014-07-02T23:07:12.918-04:002014-07-02T23:07:12.918-04:00Hi Caroline - Thanks so much for your kind words.
...Hi Caroline - Thanks so much for your kind words.<br /><br />Very true, concerning the philosopher politicians. <br /><br />Gordon Wood has written about this and I think that his theories are mostly correct. They apply to American History but I guess similar things happened elsewhere. Basically, it took a certain kind of group of Philosopher/ Politicians to create the Declaration of Independence, The American Constitution and other aspects of post colonial America. Ironically, The political and social system that these Founders created made it impossible for this kind of Philosopher/Politician ever to come to power in the future.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-28321885711765630992014-07-02T14:03:11.228-04:002014-07-02T14:03:11.228-04:00I'm not familiar with this president at all bu...I'm not familiar with this president at all but what struck me is that once upon a time a president could be a political man and a philosopher. I'd say this is a tradition that's lost nowadays. <br />Sounds like this was one hefty tome. <br />I have to agree with others, you give a great overview. Carolinehttp://beautyisasleepingcat.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-54973684302051861492014-06-29T22:30:39.057-04:002014-06-29T22:30:39.057-04:00Hi Delia- Indeed reading about a subject, be it a ...Hi Delia- Indeed reading about a subject, be it a biography or something else that we already have knowledge of, can be so extra informative.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-20755452939787272852014-06-29T22:28:18.265-04:002014-06-29T22:28:18.265-04:00Reading your commentary makes me want to pick up a...Reading your commentary makes me want to pick up a biography, I haven't read one in ages. It's fascinating to read about the life of a person, especially if we have some background knowledge about the person.Delia (Postcards from Asia)http://www.wrongspelling.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-19198588559164958152014-06-28T14:41:30.381-04:002014-06-28T14:41:30.381-04:00Hi Naida - What I call fun is a bit odd :)
One re...Hi Naida - What I call fun is a bit odd :)<br /><br />One reason that he is not so known as President is that I think that his greatest accomplishments occurred before he held the office.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-70360780866184906982014-06-28T09:45:25.042-04:002014-06-28T09:45:25.042-04:00Not a president I am too familiar with, but this b...Not a president I am too familiar with, but this book sounds like a good one for those who are interested in him.<br />I like that you call this long, detailed book about Madison "fun" though :P <br /> The Bookwormhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10217390642323530030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-27413219452806577822014-06-26T09:14:44.878-04:002014-06-26T09:14:44.878-04:00Hi Jacqui - Thanks so much.
Even if one were inc...Hi Jacqui - Thanks so much. <br /><br />Even if one were inclined to read biographies this is some long biography.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-78842728299496850732014-06-26T05:42:10.939-04:002014-06-26T05:42:10.939-04:00I'm not a big reader of biographies, but like ...I'm not a big reader of biographies, but like Lindsay, I feel I've learned something about Madison simply by reading your thoughts and analysis in this post. Enlightening commentary - thank you. JacquiWinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16220597283351925721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-52963752257002204742014-06-26T01:39:41.872-04:002014-06-26T01:39:41.872-04:00Hi Violet - I think that the value of ideas compet...Hi Violet - I think that the value of ideas competing is shown to work in the very long run. It also works in a society where there are certain safeguards to liberty that are difficult to break.<br /><br />Unfortunately in the short to medium term, and in societies that do not have long histories of stable, democratic governments, you get NAZIsm and similar ideologies winning out. Though I am often critical concerning our modern culture, society, and governments, I think that this concept has led to the modern liberal democracy, which I think is mostly a good thing (OK, If climate change does us in, I am wrong).<br /><br />Interesting story. I fall on the side of free speech as long as someone is not advocating violence. However It SEEMS like Badar was not, but I do not know enough to go out on a limb. But I mean "free speech" as in no government interference. If, as in the case of highlighted in the story, a private group choose not to allow him to speak at their event, it is their right to disallow him. The same thing could happen in the US, no violation of free speech.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-14920928590169848292014-06-25T23:32:08.526-04:002014-06-25T23:32:08.526-04:00Hi Suko - He was interesting indeed! A bit under -...Hi Suko - He was interesting indeed! A bit under - appreciated too!Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.com