Freedom Studies - Semiquincentennial
Jon Reisman
That mouthful refers to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, now less than 18 months away. I have a feeling that Donald Trump’s TV and showman experience is going to play a big part in what I hope is a huge, happy party. I think there is a lot of work and planning to do for that to happen.
I was a 19-year-old college student/summer camp counselor for the bicentennial. It was a pretty big deal, even as the country was still reeling from Watergate. Gerry Ford was in the White House, having ascended from House Minority leader to replace tarnished Vice President Spiro Agnew and then President Richard Nixon, after Nixon resigned under threat of impeachment delivered by Senator Barry Goldwater. Jimmy Carter was running for President, flashing a big smile and promising never to lie to us. I don’t remember if he revealed his plan to sell the Panama Canal for $1.
My strongest memories of the Bicentennial are fireworks and 1776. My summer camp put it on, and three of my charges played Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin. I still remember them belting out “But Mr. Adams...” as they grappled with writing the Declaration of Independence. The opening and closing stanzas:
FRANKLIN: Mr. Adams, I say you should write it,
To your legal mind and brilliance we defer.
ADAMS: Is that so? Well, if I'm the one to do it,
They'll run their quill pens through it,
I'm obnoxious and disliked, you know that, sir.
FRANKLIN: Yes, I know.
ADAMS: So, I say you should write it, Franklin, yes you.
FRANKLIN: Hell, no!
ADAMS: Yes, you, Dr. Franklin, you,
but, you, but, you, but,
FRANKLIN: Mr. Adams, but, Mr. Adam,
The things I write are only light extemporanea,
I won't put... politics on paper; it's a mania,
So, I refuse to use the pen in Pennsylvania.
JEFFERSON: Mr. Adams, leave me alone!
ADAMS: Mr. Jefferson, dear Mr. Jefferson,
I'm only 41; I still have my virility,
And I can romp through Cupid's Grove with great agility,
But, life is more than sexual combustibility.
OTHERS: Combustibility, combustibility, combustibili...
JEFFERSON: Mr. Adams, damn you, Mr. Adams,
You're obnoxious and disliked; that cannot be denied,
Once again you stand between me and my lovely bride,
Oh, Mr. Adams, you are driving me to homicide!
OTHERS: Homicide, homicide, we may see murder yet!
This clip still resonates: https://youtu.be/AK1hX_j0-E4
Growing up in Philadelphia I was something of a Franklin fan, but for some reason I can’t really (or don’t want to) identify, John Adams has stayed with me.
I don’t know if the deep well of patriotism and love of country that the Bicentennial tapped is still there, but I hope so. We have plenty of flaws but much to be proud of. A recognition and recommitment to the blessings of liberty would be most welcome. I’m hoping President Trump puts it on J.D. Vance’s plate.
Jon Reisman is an economist and policy analyst who retired from the University of Maine at Machias after 38 years. He resides on Cathance Lake in Cooper, where he is a Selectman and a Statler and Waldorf intern. Mr. Reisman’s views are his own, and he welcomes comments as letters to the editor here or to him directly via email at [email protected].