Quote by Christopher Hitchens
Without Thomas Jefferson and his Declaration of Independence, there would have been no American revolution that announced universal principles of liberty. Without his participation by the side of the unforgettable Marquis de Lafayette, there would have been no French proclamation of The Rights of Man. Without his brilliant negotiation of the Louisiana treaty, there would be no United States of America. Without Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, there would have been no Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom, and no basis for the most precious clause of our most prized element of our imperishable Bill of Rights - the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the significant contributions of Thomas Jefferson and his impact on the foundations of American liberty and governance. It acknowledges how the Declaration of Independence propelled the American revolution by introducing universal principles of independence and freedom. Furthermore, it recognizes Jefferson's collaboration with Marquis de Lafayette, as well as his pivotal role in negotiating the Louisiana treaty that facilitated the expansion of the United States. The quote also highlights Jefferson's partnership with James Madison, resulting in the Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom, which became the basis for the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, safeguarding religious liberty.