Small May Be Big, Too

Physically, he was diminutive, standing only about 5 feet tall and weighing only 100 pounds.  He was a hypochondriac who really did suffer from debilitating digestive diseases. But when it came to  establishing America and creating its constitution, tiny James Madison truly did stand tall.

As part of its Constitution Day ceremonies, the National Archives hosted a presentation from eminent historian and senior editor for the National Review Richard Brookiser, who dramatically read the opening segment of his new book James Madison and then answered questions about Madison's life and legacy.

Brookhiser began by noting that Madison often becomes the forgotten Founding Father. To illustrate his point, he noted that while most of us in the audience would have pictures of Washington and Jefferson in our pockets, and some might even have a Franklin or two nestled somewhere, few would have a Madison since the 4th President had been relegated to fronting the $5.000 bill. "Not great product placement," Brookhiser quipped.

In his opening chapter, Brookhiser presents a 63-year-old president on a borrowed horse with 2 borrowed guns riding out on a sweltering August 1814 day toward the advancing British troops, which by nightfall, would have overrun Washington and sent the president into exile.  "He was a man of words, not war," Brookhiser said. "He had never fired a gun in battle.  But he had the moral courage to do what needed to be done."

Present at virtually every stage of the development of the United States and universally recognized as the father of the US Constitution,  Madison also made another major contribution - he should be considered the father of the modern American political party system, Brookhiser contended. "Madison (who helped found the original Republicans who later transformed into the current Democratic party) realized that ideas needed to be translated into action, and that those actions could be rough and tumble," Brookhiser said

Following Brookhiser's scholarly talk, a talented and quite believable actress portraying Madison's wife, Dolley, hosted an ice cream social and spent time setting the record straight about her White House years, "My Jimmy," and the scandalous tales their enemies told about her husband and her.

Travelers' Tip:
As a post 9/11 traveler, you have to be prepared for increased security. Sometimes, the results can be interesting. Last night, we attended a talk at the National Archives and I passed through the scanner with no problem.  However today, at the Archives, I sounded the alarm.  The culprit - my belt, which just happened to be the same belt I was wearing the night before. Maybe you need tighter security for day events than you do at night.