Shining City on a Hill???

[magicguido]

[llashram]

1. never

Last edited Fri Jul 10, 2020, 08:41 AM - Edit history (1)

have believed in some shining city on a hill. Shining because the lobbyists fill the Congress peoples pockets with silver and gold? And my answer on just about every question Reagan asked, NO! Hasn't been the Republicon agenda ever.

[Squinch]

3. I'm a big history buff and it always bugs me that Reagan's use of the phrase is

exactly the opposite to its original meaning. And come to think of it, it's original meaning is much more appropriate to us today.

The original is from John Winthrop, talking to the brand new colonists about their Puritan experiment in the New World. He does not call it a SHINING city on a hill at all.

He is telling his followers that they are a "city on a hill" (not shining.) Visible to everyone. All eyes are upon them. So it is incumbent on every one of them to live soberly and productively for the good of the colony, because if they fail, the colony will become a laughingstock, a "byword."

It was not a compliment. It was a warning against becoming a symbol of failure. Which is exactly what we have become.

[Lord Ludd]

4. Did not know that -- thanks. nt

[Squinch]

2. WOW!!! That is fabulous.

[NameAlreadyTaken]

5. Brilliantly done