Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Bill Barker of Monticello, speaks during a civics event at the U.S. Chamber Foundation in Washington, D.C.
© Photo by Ian Wagreich / © U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

On November 7, 2019, Monticello’s Thomas Jefferson joined the Chamber Foundation for a forum to discuss the state of civic knowledge, civic engagement, and civil discourse in America. This is an excerpt from his remarks to the audience.

Korean Peninsula at night from space
© NASA Earth Observatory images by Joshua Stevens, using Suomi NPP VIIRS data from Miguel Román, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
A strong business community matters to the nation because the private sector produces the goods, services, and jobs that society needs to survive and thrive, individually and collectively. Moreover, the private sector-led economic activity provides the revenue to fund the public sector in its vital role in the country.  
Thomas Jefferson portrayed by Bill Barker of Monticello.
© Photo by Ian Wagreich / © U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

George Washington once described “the education of our youth in the science of government” as one of the most important priorities for the young republic.