LAD #9: Jefferson’s First Inagural Address

     Thomas Jefferson first says in order for the new union to be successful,  the people must “unite in common efforts for the common good.” He adds that although peoples opinions differ, everyone's idealistic principles are very similar. Jefferson fully believes that everybody, even the minority, should have freedom of religion and also of opinion. He leaves the nation to develop their own views of federalism and republicanism. America has to create a foundation of public virtues which Jefferson says should include civic virtue (that every man has “equal rights the use of their facilities”), honesty, temperance, gratitude and lastly, that honor and confidence come from our actions not from our birth. Some of Jefferson’s personal practices include support of foreign policy, equality for all men (regardless  of their background), the maintenance of a well trained militia, and freedom of speech as well as freedom of the press. In conclusion, Jefferson says that he will try his best to uphold all of the practices he has listed and asks for forgiveness if the people are unhappy, however, he will do his best to keep everyone as happy as possible.