The Founders Warned Us

The Founding Fathers knew of the dangers posed by government and warned us about them. They viewed all forms of government as a necessary evil, a requirement for advanced civilization but one that is highly prone to corruption. We have compiled a list of the most pertinent ones. Sadly, we ignored these warnings during the latter half of the 20th century, and our nation is now reaping the consequences.

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Government even in its best state is but a necessary evil.

- Thomas Paine (Common Sense)

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If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.

- James Madison

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

- Benjamin Franklin

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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.

- Benjamin Franklin

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Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

- George Washington

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Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.

- George Washington

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Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.

- George Washington

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The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

- Thomas Jefferson

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I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that: ‘All powers not delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States or to the people.

- Thomas Jefferson (Quoting what is the 10th Amendment to the Constitution)

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What country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?

- Thomas Jefferson

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When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.

- Thomas Jefferson

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The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first.

- Thomas Jefferson

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