The power of words

I will assume that you are all here in the love of language and its use. The appreciation of writers and the manner with which they employ language is the core of authorship, so if I vary explicitly from the mannerisms of this site to pontificate on television, politics and it’s conventions to this conversation I will appreciate some latitude.

There has been some reveal to John Adams and his doings recently, through NPR and HBO. The folks at HBO and NPR have been all over the life and contributions of Mr. Adams as of late, reminding us of the efforts he endeavored upon to form this nation.

In writing terms, his greatest contribution may be in the Declaration of Independence. It contains some of the most moving utilization of language evidenced in a few hundred years.

In personal terms, it might be the first bit of language I really studied. I was cast as Francis Scott Key, in some elementary patriotic production. Outside of learning the Star Spangled Banner, by rote, the Declaration of Independence was a part of my early childhood learning.

It sticks with me to this day.

In an era of punditry and positioning, the Declaration of Independence stands as one of my guiding philosophies. My ultra-libertarian ideals are based on this chunk of political eloquence.

The recent series by HBO, and to a lesser extent the spot on NPR, demonstrate the strength of character it takes to be a commendable citizen. John Adams brought forth this strength of will through his adept use of the written word in addition to (and in spite of) his actions.

In this season of political pontification, I invite you to read through the Declaration of Independence. I invite you to really, thoughtfully, examine the words upon which our nation got its start.

It’s big stuff, you know, the birthing of what has become a land of falsehoods and half goods. We can talk about the contradictions, but there is truth and hope in those words declared. There is talk of greater ideals and principles. It is a language of thinking which pulls from a concept of a formation for a common good, from which there is an opportunity to thrive and prosper.


We have arrived at a moment of greed and fear greater than I have ever seen in my life, greater than the founding fathers might have ever anticipated.

We have arrived at a moment which requires that words and actions are of greater importance than political positions and corporate profits, and must be employed to the betterment of our peers.

We have been challenged by the likes of John Adams, to put our ideals before our lusts and pride to make our nation great.

Read the documents that now govern our lives, the proposals and propositions on the ballots, embrace the language of laws and governance. Write it if you have the chonies, but write it well. There is real power there, whether you like it or not.

It is language that leads us today.