Sunday, December 9, 2007

Our Forefathers & The Constitution

"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" - Benjamin Franklin

“The people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that the constitutional charter, under which the several branches of government hold their power, is derived.” – James Madison

“No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare”. – James Madison

“The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.” – James Madison

"Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government." --- James Madison.

"If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy." - James Madison

"All authority belongs to the people." Thomas Jefferson

“Every generation needs a new revolution.”. – Thomas Jefferson

“Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none”. – Thomas Jefferson

"If there be a principle that ought not to be questioned within the United States, it is that every man has a right to abolish an old government and establish a new one. This principle is not only recorded in every public archive, written in every American heart, and sealed with the blood of American martyrs, but is the only lawful tenure by which the United States hold their existence as a nation." James Madison (1751-1836)

"I have sworn before the alter of god, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." Thomas Jefferson, Letter to B. Rush, Sept. 23, 1800

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln

"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." Abraham Lincoln

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