An original Magna Carta, at Harvard, in 2025 — what timing
When learned expertise is held in contempt by many, it's a reminder of the value of scholarship and such thorough knowledge of one's field that British academic David Carpenter was able to recognize the original while reviewing Harvard Law School's digitized collection.
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And, of course, it's a reminder of how far backward we are sliding when even the barons of the modern world — the Bezoses, the Zuckerbergs, the Redstones, the Musks — have decided to bend their knees to absolute power.
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One might even be forgiven for wondering whether the spirit of history decided to give Harvard a little pat on the back for not bending its knee or its principles.
Julia Glendon
Lunenburg
We are a nation that does not bow to a single ruler
The discovery of an original Magna Carta is a reminder of the principles of governance that have guided this nation for nearly 250 years. May this finding lead us to remain a nation that goes by the rule of law rather than become one that declares fealty to a single individual.
Edwin Andrews
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Malden
Magna Carta, meet MAGA Carta
Reading about what was believed to be a copy of the Magna Carta at Harvard turning out to be an original got me thinking:
Magna Carta, first sealed 1215
The king is subject to the law and recognizes limits to his power.
MAGA Carta, 2025
The president isn't, and he doesn't.
James Mahoney
Cambridge
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