Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence … the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defence against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation, and excessive dislike of another, cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favorite, are liable to become suspected and odious; while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests.
Tag: George Washington
(1732-1799) Founding Father, 1st US President, ‘Father of Our Country.’
No favored nations
A passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils.
Continue reading “No favored nations”
The Constitution is the law of the land
The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, ’till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly obligatory upon all.
Firearms restrain evil interference
The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference. They deserve a place of honor with all that is good.
Firearms and the Constitution
Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples’ liberty’s teeth.
Armed and ready
A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.
Despotism through consolidation of power
The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create whatever the form of government, a real despotism.
Last official act
The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury.
No need to encourage immigration
My opinion, with respect to emigration, is, that, except of useful Mechanics and some particular descriptions of men or professions, there is no need of encouragement.
When liberty is abused to licentiousness
Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.