Posts
The "Father of the Constitution" was born 260 years ago today. Tragically, his legacy -- our governing document -- increasingly appears to be deader than he is.
In honor of the day, some of his thoughts:
"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."
"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself."
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."
"No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare."
"The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home."
"The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment