“I hold that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing and as necessary in the political world as storms are in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people, which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions, as not to discourage them too much. It is medicine necessary for the sound health of government.”
-- Thomas Jefferson (letter to James Madison, 1787)
“The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it always to be kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better to do so than not to be exercised at all.”
-- Thomas Jefferson (letter to Abigail Adams, 1787)
“What country can preserve it’s liberties if it’s rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?”
-- Thomas Jefferson (letter to Wm. S. Smith, 1787)
Regards
J.R.
Thank you for finding these quotes. NMC