Bill Clinton: “Thomas Jefferson'' February 11, 1997 Thank you. First of all, I know I speak for all of us when I thank Ken Burns and…”

“Thomas Jefferson'' February 11, 1997 Thank you. First of all, I know I speak for all of us when I thank Ken Burns and all of those who made this magnificent film possible. Thank you, especially, Jack Smith, for your work in making it possible and sponsoring it. If you think about what Ken Burns has given to America with ``The Civil War,'' ``The West,'' ``Baseball,'' and ``Thomas Jefferson,'' I think Mr. Jefferson would be very proud of you, Mr. Burns. And I know we all are, and we thank you so much. I think every American President has been inspired by Jefferson's ideals, affected by his decisions, fascinated by his character. Two of my most prized personal possessions are an original printing of the ``Notes on Virginia'' and a printing of Daniel Webster's marvelous eulogy to John Adams and Thomas Jefferson delivered in Faneuil Hall in August of 1826. And from time to time when I feel some sense of despair, just for the heck of it, I take them down and open the pages and start reading. I always thought that the fact that both of them died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was the best evidence the modern world has on the question of whether God is. It is impossible to believe this happened by accident.…”