Tuesday - July 03, 2007

American Political Ideology:  Our Heritage of Limited Government 

On this celebration of America's independence, a quick glimpse of those who paved the way to independence:

Johanathan Mayhew, 1750

- We may very safely assert these two things in general, without undermining government: One is, that no civil rulers are to be obeyed when they enjoin things that are inconsistent with the commands of God.  All such disobedience is lawful and glorious... The only reason of the institution of civil government, and the only rational ground of submission to it, is the common safety and utility.

James Otis, 1764

- In order to form an idea of the natural rights of the Colonists, I presume it will be granted that they are men, the common children of the same Creator with their brethren of Great Britain.  Nature has placed all such in a state of equality and perfect freedom, to act within the bounds of the laws of nature and reason, without consulting the will or regarding the humor, the passions or whims of any other man, unless they are formed into a society or body politic...

By being or becoming members of society, they have not renounced their natural liberty in any greater degree than other good citizens, and if this be taken from them without their consent, they are so far enslaved...

John Dickinson, 1767

- They voluntarily fasten their chains, by adopting a pusillanimous opinion, 'that there will be too much danger in attempting a remedy,'- or another opinion no less fatal-'that the government has a right to treat them as it does.'  They then seek a wretched relief for their minds, by persuading themselves, that to yield to their obedience is to discharge their duty.  The deplorable poverty of spirit, that prostrates all the dignity bestowed by Divine Providence on our nature-of course succeeds.

From these reflections I conclude that every free state should incessantly watch, and instantly take alarm on any addition being made to the power exercised over them...

Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Stuck On Stupid, The Amboy Times, Maggie's Notebook, and Conservative Cat, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

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