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Ben Franklin Again Says It All
Walter Williams Home Page ^
| c. 1700's
| Ben Franklin
Posted on 12/29/2010 6:05:15 AM PST by cougar_mccxxi
"I am a mortal enemy to arbitrary government and unlimited power. I am naturally very jealous for the rights and liberties of my country, and the least encroachment of those invaluable privileges is apt to make my blood boil." --Ben Franklin
Thank you Benjamin. We need more like you in today's day and age.
(Excerpt) Read more at econfaculty.gmu.edu ...
TOPICS: History
KEYWORDS: ben; franklin; liberty
To: cougar_mccxxi
2
posted on
12/29/2010 6:07:10 AM PST
by
vanilla swirl
(We are the Patrick Henry we have been waiting for!)
To: cougar_mccxxi
There is scarce a king in a hundred who would not, if he could, follow the example of
Pharaoh get first all the peoples money, then their lands, and then make them and
their children servants forever. It will be said that we do not propose to establish kings. I
know it. But there is a natural inclination in mankind to kingly government. It sometimes
relieves them from aristocratic domination. They had rather have one tyrant than 500. It
gives more the appearance of equality among citizens, and that they like. I am
apprehensive therefore perhaps too apprehensive that the government of these
States may in future times end in a monarchy [not called a monarchy but an executive
with monarchial powers]. But this catastrophe, I think, may long be delayed, if in our
proposed system we do not sow the seeds of contention, faction and tumult, by making
our posts of honor places of profit. If we do, I fear that, though we employ at first a
number and not a single person, the number will in time be set aside, it will only nourish
the fetus of a king (as the honorable gentleman from Virginia very aptly expressed it),
and a king will the sooner be set over us. -- Benjamin Franklin
3
posted on
12/29/2010 6:08:03 AM PST
by
Diogenesis
(Si vis pacem, para bellum)
To: cougar_mccxxi
He was one of the most extraordinary human beings the world has ever known. Born into the family of a Boston candle maker, Benjamin Franklin became the most famous American of his time. He helped found a new nation and defined the American character. Writer, inventor, diplomat, businessman, musician, scientist, humorist, civic leader, international celebrity . . . genius!
4
posted on
12/29/2010 6:10:20 AM PST
by
Liberty Valance
(Keep a simple manner for a happy life :o)
To: Diogenesis
In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered, and believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic Government, being incapable of any other.
Ben Franklin at the close of the Constitutional Convention. The speech was given by James Wilson on behalf the feeble 81 year old statesman.
5
posted on
12/29/2010 7:22:16 AM PST
by
Jacquerie
(The Law is too important to be left to Judges.)
To: cougar_mccxxi
Neither Shame Nor Grace ,yet bob’Poor Richards 1773 Old Ben spoke well of me-before I even was.
6
posted on
12/29/2010 8:20:40 AM PST
by
StonyBurk
(ring)
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