Monday, March 29, 2010

Thomas Jefferson is the man!

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

Thomas Jefferson

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I don't think I have ever read this whole quote. Of course, I have heard the last line used by people who want to bring down the government. I am not advocating any such thing. But I agree with Jefferson that this democracy will cease to exist. And when it does I want to be able to protect myself from those who wish to take my possessions or the lives of me and my family.

Another famous person said that those to forget the past are doomed to repeat it. I wonder how many of those who voted in the current administration understand history.