GEORGE WASHINGTON STATED

Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty teeth.



First Inaugural Address of George Washington...April 30, 1789

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Abraham Lincoln said:

"In this age, and in this country, public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail; against it nothing can suceed. Whoever molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes, or pronounces judicial decisions."

James Madison Declared

The adversaries of the Constitution seem to have lost sight of the PEOPLE altogether in their reasonings on this subject; and to have viewed these different establishments not only as mutual rivals and enemies, but as uncontrolled by any common superior in their efforts to usurp the authorities of each other. These gentlemen must be reminded of their error. They must be told that the ULTIMATE AUTHORITY, wherever the derivative may be found, RESIDES IN THE PEOPLE ALONE. (Federalist Papers, No. 46, p.294; emphasis added.)

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Railing and Reviling

On January 8, 1768, Benjamen Franklin wrote an article to Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser. I took this article and changed a few words here and there to reflect the current times.

Railing and Reviling

Instead of raving against the opposing party as "diggers of pits for this country," "lunatics," "sworn enemies," "ungrateful," "cut-throats." and &cc. which is a treatment the opposition party will not like. I would recommend to all writers and commentators on American affairs (however hard their arguments may be) soft words, civility, and good manners. That way we may may hope to recover the affection and respect of that great valuable part of our fellow-citizens and restore and confirm the solid respect between the two parties, that is necessary to the strength and stability of the whole country. Railing and reviling can answer no good end; and it may make the breach wider; it can never heal it.

Benjamin Franklin (words in bold and italics altered by yours truly)
Here we are 240 years after that letter was printed and the advice still rings true.
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1 comment:

Gus said...

That's the challenge: how to disagree, yet not be disagreeable.

July 6, 2008 at 5:51 PM

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