Today’s American Minute

By Bill Federer

John Adams was born this day, Oct. 30, 1735. He signed the Declaration of Independence, was vice president under George Washington and was elected the second president of the United States. Later in life, John Adams wrote to Thomas Jefferson: “Have you ever found in history, one single example of a Nation thoroughly corrupted that was afterwards restored to virtue? … And without virtue, there can be no political liberty. … Will you tell me how to prevent luxury from producing effeminacy, intoxication, extravagance, vice and folly? … I believe no effort in favour of virtue is lost.”