Jefferson quote

[JimH]

I was reading a post the other day and noticed a quote attributed to Jefferson in the poster's signature area. In essence it said that if the government did not abide by the Constitution it was illegitimate and had no authority.

I'd appreciate it if someone could identify the exact quote.

Thank you.

 

[johngalt]

I don't have the exact quote, but it was written in the Kentucky Resolutions, in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798.

 

[johngalt]

The entire Kentucky Resolution can be read here:

The Kentucky Resolutions of 1798

 

[fiasconva]

Here's one my favorites by ole TJ..."The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

 

[JimH]

Here's one my favorites by ole TJ..."The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

Amen to that. And thanks to John who directed me to The Kentucky Resolutions of 1798.

 

[S-W4EVER]

I never ceased to be amazed at the wisdom of Thomas Jefferson.

 

[johngalt]

I'm currently reading "The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers". It gives a a short history of the main players, and how they intended the Constitution. It really makes you appreciate how intelligent, well educated, and common sense they were.

 

[Jst1mr]

A few...

" A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouths of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government."

"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for the people of good conscience to remain silent."

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."

And, of course: "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."

The vision and wisdom of Thomas Jefferson and the founding fathers is nothing short of astounding to me. The days of great quests by almost superhuman men such as Lewis and Clark, directed by such visionary leaders, seem to be far behind us. Our current crop of "visionaries" is an embarrassment in comparison...

 

[wbraswell]

If you have never been to Monticello.....Go!

 

[dmar]

Didn't Jefferson say that we should have a revolution every 20 years...?