Monday, January 16, 2006

James Madison

"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."

"If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy."

"It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad."

"Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power."

"No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare."

"The executive has no right, in any case, to decide the question, whether there is or is not cause for declaring war."

"The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home."

1 comment:

Jeff Seale said...

you're welcome, ma'am. I just started reading 1776. It looks good. I'll let you know.

The forefathers' words seem most appropriate now because they had the direct experience in dealing with authoritarian rule. It's almost as if Madison could see 230 years into the future.