The Ruin of Liberties - Samuel Adams from 1771

Letters and Writings of Samuel Adams ^ | 12/9/1771 | Samuel Adams

[Loud Mime]

"If the liberties of America are ever compleatly ruined, of which in my opinion there is now the utmost danger, it will in all probability be the consequence of a mistaken notion of prudence, which leads men to acquiesce in measures of the most destructive tendency for the sake of present ease. When designs are form'd to rase the very foundation of a free government, those few who are to erect their grandeur and fortunes upon the general ruin, will employ every art to sooth the devoted people into a state of indolence, inattention and security, which is forever the fore-runner of slavery — They are alarmed at nothing so much, as attempts to awaken the people to jealousy and watchfulness; and it has been an old game played over and over again, to hold up the men who would rouse their fellow citizens and countrymen to a sense of their real danger, and spirit them to the most zealous activity in the use of all proper means for the preservation of the public liberty, as 'pretended patriots,' 'intemperate politicians,' rash, hotheaded men, Incendiaries, wretched desperadoes, who, as was said of the best of men, would turn the world upside down, or have done it already."

[Loud Mime]

That quote heads a chapter in my book, which goes in for copyright today!

[Loud Mime]

Thank You.

After reading so much of these esteemed authors, I sit back and imagine the events that brought them to the surface. If they were going to revolt, they had to have a plan for the post revolution days. There was no sense in fighting for a state or anarchy.

They unified for a couple of important projects, but afterwards seemed to spin off toward different causes and principles.

Thank God they held together for as long as they did.

[Loud Mime]

Good points; I like the historical significance of your screen name as well. WWII taught us some great lessons...some of us, anyway.

[LearsFool]

If they were going to revolt, they had to have a plan for the post revolution days.

I know that compromises of principle and ideal were required of those involved in the founding of this nation. But I confess I'm not nearly familiar enough with the times to fully appreciate the necessity of every compromise.

Was there a fear that without a strong Union the British or French or Spanish would try to pick off the new states one by one? Seems to be. Was it therefore necessary for the states to sacrifice some of their independence from one another in exchange for maintaining their independence from foreign powers? I think that was the idea. Do we tend, in hindsight, to criticize that relinquishing of state independence? All too often.

Btw, what's your book called, what's it about, and when'll it be available?

[Bigun]

Please let me know when it goes to print!

Congratulations!

[Loud Mime]

The first two of the federalist papers can put you into the mindset of the founders. Although I read them some time ago, I reread them last week; I picked up some things that I had not earlier....the founders were worried about the future of events and foreign influences that would take advantage of the lack of a federal power.

My book is about clarity in politics. I’m working on the copyright at this time; it has taken me four years to get to this point. More when its finalized.

[Sudetenland]

I don't believe there is a solution for our public school system. The problem is symptomatic of our society. Teaching used to be the province of individuals who provided a needed service. The compensation was never great, but the providers were respected for their sacrifice. Today it is all controlled by unions and the only thing that matters is how much teachers get paid. Certainly there are a few exceptions and a few public schools that are doing the job, but in the main schools are in a pitiful state.

I fear that private schooling is the only solution...unless we can elect enough conservatives to do away with the Department of Education and return schools to local control.

Take federal money out of the schooling system and you go a long way towards finding a solution...I am not optimistic though.

[Clump]

ping

[definitelynotaliberal]

If you’re not yet on this ping list, I daresay you will enjoy being on it. Happy Solstice.

[definitelynotaliberal]

I would so love to be at a bar with you. The schmucks I meet in bars are of the hey-baby variety.

[Loud Mime]

Now, that’s a compliment; thank you. But a bar? I prefer candles and Bordeauxs.

[Loud Mime]

OK, you’re on!