"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." Very beautiful these words taken from the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776 by delegates of the thirteen American colonies, which since that day will be called United States of America. Beautiful, true and valid even today. But at that time in the United States were over 4 million black slaves and isn’t known how many indians slaves. And the slavery still existed nearly 100 years later. And another 100 years passed until all citizens had equal rights. "All men is created equal"? Definition of terms is essential when it comes about a significantly text. Delegates didn't lied and weren't hypocrites. Simply the blacks, the Indians, later the Chinese etc. didn't fit in the category "men".
Are known all this, and the discussion can go on forever. What I really mean? That if someone says "I love Americans" can bring arguments to support the claim without problems. Equally and vice versa. If someone says "I hate Americans", can also bring arguments to support the claim. My personal opinion is that the attitude towards Americans (incidentally, the most numerous of my blog readers), is a personal choice, somewhat as the attitude toward religion or toward marriage.
After this very long introduction, is time to speak, at least a little, about the postcard. Would be the case, right? First, I don't know from whom I received it. Second, the most interesting thing about the U.S. capital it seems to me that the D.C. was "invented" for that Washington, the city built specifically to be capital city, not to be part of any state, for not create to it an advantage. Very fair.
In 1790 it was decided that the city be built on the Potomac River, in a place chosen by president George Washington. The land was ceded by the states of Maryland and Virginia. In 1793 a competition was organized to achieve the building of Capitol, which didn't offer too many options because of the low level of preparedness of American architects of the time, so to the final plan have contributed several architects. The Senate wing was completed in 1800, while the House wing was completed in 1811. In time for that the British to burn it during the war of 1812. Reconstruction began in 1815 and was completed by 1819. The Capitol has extended several times over the time, and you can find details here.
Sender: Monica Anescu
sent from United States on 01.11.2011
photo: R. Cord / H. Armstrong Roberts / Cornstock
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