Founders Friday (On Monday), July 4, 2011

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"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

John Adams, On the Declaration of Independence, Letter to Abilgail Adams, July 3, 1776

Presidents Day Holiday

At least one cat has taken the idea of a day off seriously. Happy President's Day.

In celebration of the day, here's a quote from John Adams.

"I Pray Heaven to Bestow The Best of Blessing on THIS HOUSE, and on ALL that shall hereafter Inhabit it. May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under This Roof! "
John Adams, letter to Abigail Adams, November 2, 1800

Founders Friday, Friday, February 11, 2011

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Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, (I conjure you to believe me fellow citizens) 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.

George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796

Founders Friday, February 4, 2011

All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the Ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid?"

Benjamin Franklin, To Colleagues at the Constitutional Convention

Founders Friday, January 28, 2011

As on the one hand, the necessity for borrowing in particular emergencies cannot be doubted, so on the other, it is equally evident that to be able to borrow upon good terms, it is essential that the credit of a nation should be well established.

Alexander Hamilton, Report on Public Credit, January 9, 1790

Founders Friday, January 21, 2011

In planning, forming, and arranging laws, deliberation is always becoming, and always useful.

James Wilson, Lectures on Law, 1791

Founders Friday, January 7, 2011

A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is natural to abuse it, when acquired.

Alexander Hamilton, The Farmer Refuted, February 23, 1775

Founders Friday, December 31, 2010

A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.

                                  James Madison, letter to W.T. Barry, August 4, 1822

Founders Friday, December 24, 2010

As long as Property exists, it will accumulate in Individuals and Families. As long as Marriage exists, Knowledge, Property and Influence will accumulate in Families.

John Adams, letter to Thomas Jefferson, July 16, 1814

Founders Friday, December 3, 2010

A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of the government. A feeble execution is but another phrase for a bad execution; and a government ill executed, whatever may be its theory, must be, in practice, a bad government.

Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 70, 1788

Founders Friday, November 19, 2010

A just security to property is not afforded by that government, under which unequal taxes oppress one species of property and reward another species.

                                                         James Madison, Essay on Property, March 29, 1792

Founders Friday

To steal a line from Glenn Beck, this is a Founders Friday here at Colorado Musing:

A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions.

                                                          James Madison, Federalist No. 51, February 8, 1788