Jefferson and Hamilton

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Jefferson never underestimated Hamilton’s superlative talents. After reading The Federalist, Jefferson pronounced it “the best commentary on the principles of government which ever was written.” Nor did he slight Hamilton’s virtues. As he noted in later years, after their epic battles had faded into history, “Hamilton was indeed a singular character of acute understanding, disinterested, honest, and honorable in all private transactions, amiable in society, and duly valuing virtue in private life - yet so bewitched and perverted by the British example as to be under thorough conviction that corruption was essential to the government of a nation.”

-- Ron Chernow, “Alexander Hamilton”

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Chernow explains that the “corruption” bit has to do with the belief that Hamilton harbored monarchical inclinations and was inclined to have the executive branch unduly influence the legislative branch through patronage and favors.

Pop

Some surprises today.

First, Pop leaves early. He left at eleven, when he usually doesn't get out of bed until eleven. I don't think he had an appointment. I am happy to take the opportunity to whip up my barbecue chicken. Usually, I can count on doing what I want with lunch, since he does not get up until late, but he will still beat me to the kitchen on occasion to cook his eggs. I feel more at east when I have an absolutely clear lane in front of me.

It was a ruder surprise when he came back at about one. He brought someone with him. I suspected it was Lorie, but then I heard his voice. It's Jack. He seemed rather smiley, perhaps even cocky, like whatever scheme he has in his head is going off smoothly. Pop seemed rather more harried. Where does Pop get his seemingly inexhaustible source of funds.

It's a brief stop in any case. And Pop drops an even sweeter surprise. He is going to spend a couple of night at Kay's. I am definitely going to have to clean my toilet today. It is truly filthy, and I have no excuses, except that I prefer to read and blog rather than clean my toilet.

I even flirt with the idea of shaving. I find I no longer like having this shaggy beard and bushy mustache hanging off my face. I thought I would get back into the swing of it after a while, but that hasn't happened. It feels rather nasty, and it certainly doesn't look great. I remember when mother would look at me pleadingly and urge me to shave. I better appreciate what she means now. I can hardly believe that I once lived with this facial brush for years. That's pretty bad. Even worse, I remember spending a lot of college time with this wild bush on my face, though it's not like I got a lot better attention when I was shaved. If it were September, I probably would shave, but I think I should wait another couple of weeks. The truth is that I also don't like shaving, and it's not like I look great shaved.

In the few hours it took for me to sit down and write this down, I had a couple of insights. Jack is probably going to get to borrow Pop's car while he is away at Kay's place. And this stayover is not a sudden development for Pop. It explains why he offered to buy dessert for me yesterday instead of waiting until Friday, though he did not feel moved to tell me about his plans then.

Weather, Weather

Whoa, I go out to take out the trash and snack the neighbor dog, and I find a touch of drizzle in the air. I am not worrying about getting the cats inside. I doubt we are even going to get much more drizzle, much less a real storm. But I will have to be a little mindful tonight.