“A promise must never be broken.” ~Alexander Hamilton
By Catherine Austin Fitts
Alexander Hamilton has long been a hero in my life. I named my investment bank, Hamilton Securities Group, after Hamilton. Hamilton’s writings and works inspired our efforts to reinvent our economy, given the globalization and technological changes sweeping the planet.
Hamilton was an orphan and an immigrant, who led the writing of the Federalist Papers and who contributed more to the creation of the US Constitution and the US banking and financial system than any other founding father. The motto in our logo, around the profile of Hamilton, was “Rocca et Rotula,” or “Rock and Roll,” reflective of Hamilton’s creative genius and feisty, entrepreneurial spirit.
In periods of great change, we need “Rock and Roll Leadership” of the kind that Hamilton embodies. That means leadership with deeply held values, who will say and do what they believe. Leaders such as Hamilton are willing to get into the trenches, master the nuts and bolts of complex public and private governance and financial systems, and educate and take their case to the general population. They believe in “smart up,” rather than “dumb down.” They understand the power of ideas and markets that are “of the people, by the people, for the people.”
On Friday night, thanks to fearless New York attorney Helen Chaitman, I had the opportunity to see Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s Hamilton on Broadway in New York City. I do believe that if Hamilton were alive today, he would love Miranda’s marvelous theatrical accomplishment as much as I did. Based on Ron Chernow’s biography, it captures Hamilton, his spirit and most important accomplishments.
In a recent interview, Miranda pointed out that rap is an excellent medium for Hamilton’s story. Hamilton was an intellectual architect, writing about complex issues related to the creation and use of democratic and financial institutions. Indeed, Hamilton was a “wordy” guy. Rap is uniquely suited to communicating his life and work. Miranda’s genius includes explaining complex ideas and events in an inspiring, entertaining manner.
Numerous powerful politicians associated with subverting and destroying the US Constitution have glommed on to the show to promote themselves. They include several politicians instrumental in destroying Hamilton Securities. They remind us that the duel between the Alexander Hamiltons of this world and corrupt New York politicians and financial interests continue to this day.
Don’t let any of that deter you from seeing Hamilton, learning about the life of the man, or rejoicing and upholding the freedom he fought for and the US Constitution and legal system he helped to create.
At the heart of Hamilton’s writings is the great truth that a healthy economy, a dynamic financial system and a sound banking system all depend on trust – the trust that comes from honoring our covenant and contracts with each other.
For July 4th, let’s renew our commitment to that covenant.