John Quincy Adams Fought Tirelessly Against Slavery in Congress After His Presidency
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John Quincy Adams entered Congress after his presidency, where he fought against the "Gag Rule" that barred debate over slavery.
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Adams repeatedly tried raising the issue of slavery, defiantly asking "Am I gagged or am I not?" when colleagues tried to silence him.
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Adams delayed admission of slave states, represented captives in the Amistad case, and helped eventually overturn the Gag Rule.
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Abraham Lincoln later served on the committee to arrange Adams' funeral when he died at the Capitol at age 80.
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The article argues today's members of Congress should follow Adams' example standing up for principles over popularity.