4/15/10

From a letter by Thomas Jefferson to James Madison

The earth belongs to each of these generations
during its course, fully, and in their own right


The 2d generation receives it clear of the debts and encumbrances
of the 1st


The 3d of the 2d and so on


For if the 1st could charge it with a debt
then the earth would belong to the dead and not the living generation


Then no generation can contract debts
greater than may be paid during the course of its own existence


Did the world’s wealthiest generation
forfeit their children’s financial future
for present prosperity?

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