An Ideal Never Reached

 

American Phoenix: John Quincy and Louisa Adams, the War of 1812, and the Exile that Saved American Independence, by Jane Hampton Cook, examines a fascinating couple, who in most ways defied the expectations of early Americans.  Both John Quincy and Louise Adams were well traveled, well read, and spoke fluent French, the language of culture and diplomacy in the early nineteenth century.  Urbane and cosmopolitan – they were true people of the world, but they held American interests as their moral compass.  At this point in the American experience, one can’t help but be nostalgic for this pair.  Public service has decline to bald fascistic bizarre self-interests.  We are far from our ideals.