The book “Andrew Jackson in the White House, American Lion” by Jon Meacham discusses an 1830 speech by Sen. Edward Livingston. Parties were one thing; partisanship another: “This spirit of which I speak,” Livingston said as he argued against zealotry, “… creates imaginary and magnifies real causes of complaint; arrogates to itself every virtue — denies every merit to its opponents; secretly entertains the worst designs … mounts the pulpit, and, in the name of a God of mercy and peace, preaches discord and vengeance; invokes the worst scourges of Heaven, war, pestilence and famine, as preferable alternatives to party defeat; blind, vindictive, cruel, remorseless, unprincipled, and at last frantic, it communicates its madness to friends as well as foes; respects nothing, fears nothing.”
Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
Letter: Partisanship is madness
Share:
We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions.
Send Us a Letter
Morning Briefing Newsletter
Get a rundown of the latest local and regional news every Mon-Fri morning.
