Mike Barnhill
Ashland
Dear Editor:
A quote from a book entitled "The War of 1812," written by Donald R. Hickey, seems to encompass the self-interest found in America today.
"British officers were shocked by the eagerness with which Americans pursued their own interest at the expense of the nation's."
"Self, the great ruling principle" said one, "is more powerful with Yankees than any people I ever saw."
The quote above is in reference to island communities such as Nantucket, Cape Cod, Block Island (Rhode Island) cut off by the British Royal Navy. Facing the threat of starvation, the islands had to declare neutrality, in exchange for surrendering its public stores, supplying British warships and discontinuing the payment of federal taxes.
"Self, the great ruling principle" still seems to be the leading cause of conflict between today's political parties.