before john quincy thought as he did, john adams (his father) signed the treaty of tripoli (in 1797)
here's my favorite part:
Quote:
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Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
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http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/treaty_tripoli.html
things since got pretty thoroughly messed up.
in alot of ways, don't you think?