Political Quotes

“Today, we commemorate the great moment when Greece began to reassert its historic role as a leading light of democracy. In 1821, when valiant Greeks raised the flag of revolt against their Ottoman Turk oppressors, they were striking a blow for liberty that captivated freedom-loving men and women all over Europe, and in the young American Republic. Thomas Jefferson was inspired enough to become involved in the Greek struggle in the twilight of his life. In the summer of 1823 the Greek Hellenist and patriot Adamantios Koraes wrote to our third president, requesting advice on drawing up a constitution for the liberated Greece he was certain would be achieved. Jefferson's lengthy reply detailed his views on the fundamentals of democracy--freedom of religion, freedom of person (habeas corpus), trial by jury, the exclusive right of legislation and taxation reserved to the representatives of the people, and freedom of the press. The 80-year-old scholar-president concluded his letter with a moving tribute to Greece's unique importance to the world.”