What do you think of the following quote?

Question

"To attain all this (universal republicanism), however, rivers of blood must yet flow, and years of desolation pass over; yet the object is worth rivers of blood, and years of desolation."

I don't necessarily endorse it, just interested in others' views. Thank you.

Well, I wanted people to use their imaginations, but the quote is from Thomas Jefferson.

Quiller, a man must be judged by the times in which HE lived, not by future ones. For his time, Jefferson was extremely progressive - a true revolutionary.

Voltaire, to set you straight, I've naught to do with the RA.

Answer 1

Jefferson also said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

That was an endorsement of our own American Revolution, which Jefferson was saying needs to happen over and over again if we are to protect and preserve our democracy and the freedoms that accompany it.

Jefferson was certainly not implying that we should unconstitutionally, illegally, unjustifiably and immorally invade other sovereign nations that in no way threatened, provoked or attacked the United States of America. He would be appalled that 675,000 Iraqis and 3,900 U.S. troops have died just so that a handful of wealthy elitists, oil barons, industrialists and power brokers can become wealthier and more powerful.

Rivers of blood must sometimes flow to defend our nation and protect its borders, as happened during World War II - the last time a war was officially declared by Congress, as specifically provided for in our Constitution [Article I, Section 8, item 11]. If our citizenry wasn't so slothful, lazy, apathetic, ignorant, selfish, gluttonous and arrogant, we would rise up against the corrupt government now in place and cause yet one more American Revolution, as Thomas Jefferson urges "from time to time". We would take back our country from the empirical political corruption, refresh our amoral society, and relive the dream of our founding fathers. -RKO- 11/24/07

Answer 2

Thomas Jefferson was a great man. The founding fathers had a great idea or what this country should be and what it should stand for. It's sad that we didn't choose the route that they wanted us to go down.

Answer 3

THOMAS JEFFERSON'S REVOLUTION
THE U.S. UNION WAS A MISTAKE
By: SARTRE
http://www.etherzone.com/2003/sart090503.shtml

Answer 4

I think it reflects a more idealistic time. Whoever wrote that couldn't have imagined the oceans of blood that flowed on Omaha Beach on D-Day...

Answer 5

i think that its an awful quote, the people who say these things are not going to be the ones suffering to attain it. its funny how someone can decide wether someone elses suffering is going to be worth it. its pretentious.
the people who declare war are not the ones who are actually going to fight in it. not right.
let the people decide if they want rivers of THEIR blood and THEIR children to live in desolation, let THEM tell YOU if it will be worth it, as it will be THEM who will be suffering.
just my opinion.

Answer 6

Rivers of blood have been flowing since time immemorial.

Answer 7

Agree with previous answer. Out of context it's meaningless.

Answer 8

Wasnt that Oswald Mosely?

Answer 9

Answer: Attribute that "quote"...then try a little context!

Answer 10

Jefferson? I think thats a lie. sounds more like something from a terror group. you know like your ira.