It is to me a new and consolatory proof that wherever the people are well-informed they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.
Category: informed electorate
The people must remain attentive
We have the greatest opportunity the world has ever seen, as long as we remain honest — which will be as long as we can keep the attention of our people alive. If they once become inattentive to public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, judges, and governors would all become wolves.
Contact your representatives
Democrats and Republicans — some, only a few, but some Republicans — are starting to speak out. And you know why? Because they’re hearing from home. There’s nothing more articulate, more eloquent, to a member of Congress than the voice of his or her own constituent.
Protest is American
I thank all of you who have spoken out for your courage, your point of view — all of it — your advocacy is very American and very important.
Ignorance begets ignorance
Ignorant people elect ignorant rulers.
Informed public
In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.
Knowledge and virtue
No people will tamely surrender their liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and virtue is preserved. On the contrary, when people are universally ignorant, and debauched in their manners, they will sink under their own weight without the aid of foreign invaders.