Feisty press has long history

Friday, July 4, 2008

Of course a little history dispels these notions in a trice. Newspapers in the Colonial period and just after were, if anything, more vicious and scurrilous than the modern press, even the tabloid press.

Thomas Jefferson, the author of the document we celebrate today (the Decorations of Independence, as a recent submission had it) was accused of being a French spy and of having sex with his slaves. No evidence exists of his French connection.

John Adams was so driven to distraction by the press, which accused him of wanting to be a dictator and various other libels, that he actually got laws passed, the four so-called Alien and Sedition Acts, that criminalized criticism of government officials. They were overturned by the Jefferson administration, except for one that’s still on the books having to do with foreign enemy agents, but still.

The Alexander Hamilton-Aaron Burr kerfuffle, the duel that killed Hamilton, was sparked by reports in newspapers of nasty remarks Hamilton allegedly made about Burr, though it was the culmination of a long history of animosity between the two.

Those were the days indeed for journalists, though. Can you imagine the time we’d have covering the murder of a prominent politician by another? The closest the modern era has come is Vice President Dick Cheney shooting that poor fellow in the face, and in that case the victim actually apologized for getting in his way.

What has happened to politics in America since those days, though, is that the press and the electorate are far more squeamish about the so-called character issues of politicians than they were then.

Andrew Jackson fought a few duels in his life as well, which would definitely be seen as a disqualification for office in this day and age.

Even the great George Washington, truly a figure who rises above other mere mortals in the history of the world, let alone the country he helped bring into being, would have had trouble getting on the ballot today, what with his poor business record, huge delinquent debts and shady land speculations.

Many believe Benjamin Franklin smoked marijuana, and it is well-recorded that he received ladies while sitting in his bathtub during his diplomatic sojourn in Paris.

Amid these scandalous goings-on, it hardly seems relevant that Cindy McCain plagiarized a cookie recipe or that Barack Obama knows a sleazy real estate investor.

Celebratethe fabulous Fourth

Charles County history comes to life at the Thomas Stone National Historic Site today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The National Park Service is hosting a Colonial Independence Day celebration with horse-drawn carriage rides, historic toy demonstrations and children’s activities and costumed tours of Haberdeventure house. Call 301-392-1776 or go to www.visitcharlescounty.com⁄350th.

And make sure to check out our Weekend section today for more Fourth of July events.

Get a safe ride home

With the impending Fourth of July parties and social gatherings approaching, plan ahead and think before you drink by designating a sober driver or calling your local Safe Rides program to get you and your friends home safely. LifeStyles Inc., the La Plata social services nonprofit, and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office are encouraging partygoers to have fun, be responsible and make it home safely.

LifeStyles and the sheriff’s office have combined forces to educate drivers and prevent impaired driving in the local community by hosting a Safe Rides program and increasing law enforcement efforts. The Safe Rides program provides free transportation home to people who have consumed alcohol and are too impaired to drive. Transportation will be provided from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. on the Fourth of July.

Transportation will be provided from the original location to the rider’s residence. Rides will not be offered to other bars, parties or public locations. All Safe Riders’ identities will be kept confidential, but identification is required. To contact Safe Rides, call toll-free 866-293-0623. Riders will not be picked up unless arrangements have been made via the toll-free line.

For more information, call LifeStyles at 866-293-0623or e-mailcbriscoe@lifestylesofmd.org.

Crops, ’cue and cream

The public is invited to attend a field crops research twilight tour, barbecue and ice cream social at the Central Maryland Research & Education Center in Upper Marlboro from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 7.

The research farm is at 2005 Largo Road in Upper Marlboro.

University of Maryland Extension educators and specialists will showcase their field crop, vegetable and fruit research plots.

A barbecue dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m. followed by homemade ice cream prior to the evening tour.

The event is free but a reserved meal ticket is required.

For meeting details and registration information contact any of the Southern Maryland Extension offices. In Charles County, call 301-934-5403.