Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Founder's Quote: Madison - gradual loss of freedoms
Patriot Post ^ | 1788 | James Madison

Posted on 08/12/2007 11:31:05 PM PDT by Loud Mime

There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. James Madison (speech to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 16 June 1788)

Slavery is such an atrocious debasement of human nature, that its very extirpation, if not performed with solicitous care, may sometimes open a source of serious evils. - Benjamin Franklin (An Address to the Public, November 1789)

It should therefore be difficult in a republic to declare war; but not to make peace. -- Joseph Story (Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833)

and I'll add one more:

“Peace without justice is tyranny.” = = William Allen White


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Government; Philosophy
KEYWORDS: constitution; foundingfathers; jamesmadison; quotes
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-28 next last
1. Madison's idea of the loss of freedoms is valid; usually its loss is because the politicians promise a benefit in return for their vote.

2. Discussion: Slavery was a necessary element in the founding of the United States.

3. The Constitution calls for no official action on behalf of Congress to end a war, or, as in today's politics, to allow a surrender.

4. Liberals never heard of this one.

1 posted on 08/12/2007 11:31:10 PM PDT by Loud Mime
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Vision; sauropod; gondramB; Loud Mime; sneakers; toomanygrasshoppers; jasoncann; gr8eman; ...
Please let me know if you'd like on this ping list.
2 posted on 08/12/2007 11:32:12 PM PDT by Loud Mime (Countdown: a documentary on Keith Olberman's dwindling IQ)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Loud Mime

Not a founder but a lot of sense!

I found how the World had been misled by prostitute Writers, to ascribe the greatest Exploits in War to Cowards, the wisest Counsel to Fools, Sincerity to Flatterers, Roman Virtue to Betrayers of their Country, Piety to Atheists, Chastity to Sodomites, Truth to Informers.
(III:8;5)

Here I discovered the secret Causes of many great Events that have surprized the World, how a Whore can Govern the Back-stairs, the Back-stairs a Council, and the Council a Senate.
(III:8)

There was a society of men among us, bred up from their youth in the art of proving by words multiplied for the purpose, that white is black and black is white, according as they are paid.
(IV:5)

Gulliver’s Travels
by Jonathan Swift


3 posted on 08/13/2007 12:00:13 AM PDT by HuntsvilleTxVeteran (Remember the Alamo, Goliad and WACO, It is Time for a new San Jacinto)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Loud Mime

The gradual encroachments upon our liberties during the 29th century are more numerous than I can list. And, all of them were to bring us more liberty or for the well being of all.

And, like good little sheeple, we sat back and watched as it happened and keeps happening.


4 posted on 08/13/2007 12:07:40 AM PDT by DakotaRed (Liberals don't rattle sabers, they wave white flags)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: DakotaRed

oops, make that 20th century, not 29th. That’s what I get for commenting half asleep ;-)


5 posted on 08/13/2007 12:09:00 AM PDT by DakotaRed (Liberals don't rattle sabers, they wave white flags)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: DakotaRed

For a minute there, I thought you were a time traveller!

Sadly, the way our country is going, it’s probably going to be long gone WAY before the 29th century.


6 posted on 08/13/2007 2:33:35 AM PDT by july4thfreedomfoundation (My number one goal in life is to leave a bigger carbon footprint than Al Gore.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Loud Mime
The Constitution does not authorize the U.S. Supreme Court. A body which contributes to the erosion of our freedoms.
7 posted on 08/13/2007 2:44:14 AM PDT by tiger-one (The night has a thousand eyes)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Loud Mime
Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.

Benjamin Franklin

We are losing our freedoms by consent.

8 posted on 08/13/2007 2:50:08 AM PDT by this_ol_patriot (I saw manbearpig and all I got was this lousy tagline.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Loud Mime

I can’t count the freedoms I’ve had taken away in just the last month. Seriously, about all that’s left is FR.


9 posted on 08/13/2007 5:30:14 AM PDT by mtbopfuyn (I think the border is kind of an artificial barrier - San Antonio councilwoman Patti Radle)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: tiger-one

Are our three branches the Executive, Congress and Senate?


10 posted on 08/13/2007 6:12:36 AM PDT by wastedyears (Alright, hold tight, I'm a highway staaaaaaaaaaaaarrr)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: tiger-one
Let's cite the Constitution:

"Section 1. The judicial power of the United States, shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behaviour, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services, a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.

Section 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority;--to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls;--to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction;--to controversies to which the United States shall be a party;--to controversies between two or more states;--between a state and citizens of another state;--between citizens of different states;--between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants of different states, and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects.

In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a state shall be party, the Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the Congress shall make.

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any state, the trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress may by law have directed. "

11 posted on 08/13/2007 6:17:59 AM PDT by Loud Mime (Countdown: a documentary on Keith Olberman's dwindling IQ)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: wastedyears

Executive, Legislative (Senate and House), Judicial.

The Senators used to be appointed by the States, until the 17th Amendment was ratified. Now the Senate is just another House of Representatives (which represents the emotions of the people and various political factions) instead of the protection of State liberties.

I firmly believe that the 17th Amendment started the downfall of our republic.


12 posted on 08/13/2007 6:20:43 AM PDT by Loud Mime (Countdown: a documentary on Keith Olberman's dwindling IQ)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: Loud Mime
So then the Senate is about feeeeeeeeeeeelings.
13 posted on 08/13/2007 6:25:34 AM PDT by wastedyears (Alright, hold tight, I'm a highway staaaaaaaaaaaaarrr)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: mtbopfuyn; Vision; sauropod; gondramB; Loud Mime; sneakers; toomanygrasshoppers; jasoncann; ...
This quote from Washington's Farewell Address needs to be read, pondered, distributed and argued by all rational citizens.

(pardon my double-ping)

"All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels and modified by mutual interests.

"However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.

14 posted on 08/13/2007 6:29:13 AM PDT by Loud Mime (Countdown: a documentary on Keith Olberman's dwindling IQ)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: this_ol_patriot
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security."

Please pardon the correction. I'm a real sticker for that underlined word. Here's one of the sources .

15 posted on 08/13/2007 6:35:36 AM PDT by Loud Mime (Countdown: a documentary on Keith Olberman's dwindling IQ)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Loud Mime
My current favourite:

"A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one." ~ Alexander Hamilton

Once again we are facing totalitarianism on the march - what will we do?

An American Expat in Southeast Asia

16 posted on 08/13/2007 6:37:19 AM PDT by expatguy (Support Capitalism and Democracy - Support "An American Expat in Southeast Asia")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: expatguy
Once again we are facing totalitarianism on the march - what will we do?

Last week I was at a coffee shop in downtown Los Angeles. Sitting two tables away from me was the tyrant, Henry Waxman, giving an interview. He was being doted on by all the others who recognized him.

He caught me scowling at him; his smile faded.

I feel a time of "letters to the editor" is on its way.

17 posted on 08/13/2007 6:55:06 AM PDT by Loud Mime (Countdown: a documentary on Keith Olberman's dwindling IQ)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: Loud Mime

You’re right.

http://www.bartleby.com/73/1056.html


18 posted on 08/13/2007 6:58:32 AM PDT by this_ol_patriot (I saw manbearpig and all I got was this lousy tagline.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: this_ol_patriot

Please understand that I tender any correction with humility, and as a friend.

I argue with a lot of liberals. They continually leave out the word “essential” when attempting to make their point about the data mining and wiretapping of suspected terrorists.

(Did you ever notice that the liberals put themselves in the position of a suspected terrorist when they complain about all these war powers?)

I then point out Article I, Section 9 of our Constitution, which allows the imprisionment of people without habeas corpus priviledges, which surprises the liberals.

The liberals don’t understand that the founding fathers believed that our nation should be defended, not surrendered.


19 posted on 08/13/2007 7:12:54 AM PDT by Loud Mime (Countdown: a documentary on Keith Olberman's dwindling IQ)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: tiger-one
The Constitution does not authorize the U.S. Supreme Court. A body which contributes to the erosion of our freedoms.

Did someone remove Article III when we weren't looking?

20 posted on 08/13/2007 7:14:47 AM PDT by Non-Sequitur (Save Fredericksburg. Support CVBT.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-28 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson