Famous Benjamin Franklin Quote 

Outside Independence Hall when
the Constitutional Convention of 1787 ended,
Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia asked Benjamin Franklin,
"Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"
With no hesitation whatsoever, Franklin responded,
"A republic, if you can keep it."

by:
Benjamin Franklin
(1706-1790) US Founding Father
Date:
1787
Source:
as recorded by Constitution signer James McHenry in a diary entry.
Categories:
 
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Reader comments about this quote:
I believe we are currently losing our Republic, partly because our legislators have been allowed to write unconstitutional laws ... slowly rotting our freedoms.
 -- Joel, Rochester, MI		 
I remember Helen Gahagan Douglas, pretending to quote Franklin, say that Franklin had responded, "A democracy madam if you can keep it." (Conspirators have a license to deceive.) "You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs." -- Khruschev Translation: "you can't conquer the world without killing some people." "The American people are now more hypnotized than were the German's under Hitler." -- Tom Silver, Stage hypnotist and hypnotherapist. After a dramatic demonstration of the power of suggestion (on the Lew Gordon TV show) Kreskin looked into the TV camera and said, "Watch your politicians!"
 -- James E. Lockwood, C.Ht, San Jose, CA		 
Justice Black, of the U.S. Supreme Court, (and former KKK member) said, "When I came on the Supreme Court I never dreamed that we would be making laws."
 -- James E. Lockwood, C. Ht, San Jose, CA		 
The Republic has been lost and replaced with a democratic communist dulocracy. Democratic - voting does take place. Communist: compare government behavior to the "10 Planks of the Communist Manifesto." Dulocracy: The public servants definitly domineer around here. Think of a traffic stop or an IRS audit. See the Black’s Law Dictionary 6th Edition definition.
 -- Roger Barker, Sunnyvale, CA		 
i dont know what to think
 -- kyle, basin		 
Let's keep it, folks. It is the job of the People to defend our republic, not Congress or the President -- we have to protect ourselves from them with Constitutional checks and balances -- and when they exceed their power, we must lay charges against them, for it is Treason.
 -- E Archer, NYC		 
"America was founded by men who understood that the threat of domestic tyranny is as great as any threat from abroad. If we want to be worthy of their legacy, we must resist the rush toward ever-increasing state control of our society. Otherwise, our own government will become a greater threat to our freedoms than any foreign terrorist." - Ron Paul, Texas Straight Talk, May 31, 2004
 -- Daniel, santa clara		 
What Ron Paul should have said was "resist state control by corporatocracy. Another word for fascism. That's the government now.
 -- Dick, Fort Worth		 
These patriots had vision far beyond what we have today.
 -- Dan Shellist, Houston		 
I think the Republic is lost, we have to fight to regain our freedom. The sovereign lovers of liberty must once again mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor to re-establish the promised Republic(s) (see Article IV Section 4 Constitution)
 -- Mike, Norwalk		 
Politicians bought the American people off with the money that was taxed away from them. Everyone is now corrupt, and a corrupt people cannot be free. The republic has been lost for a long, long time. It was bought for a few pieces of silver (30 perhaps).
 -- Ken, Allyn, WA		 
republic is only lost when you give up. I doubt the founding fathers would be proud of such talk of defeat.
 -- Daniel, santa clara, ca		 
The republic is lost when it ceases to function as a republic because of neglect. The founding fathers may have been disappointed, but certainly not surprised.
 -- Anonymous		 
 -- alison 
This quote has inspired me to write to my Congressman and Senators. I wrote: CREATE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT DEBT FREE AND INTEREST FREE CURRENCY. David Snieckus www.davidsnieckus.com
 -- David Snieckus, Newton, MA		 
Ah, and therein the problem lies. "....if you can keep it." And we are not keeping it. So glad this has prompted positive action for some. Please continue. Fair Taxation is a beginning. No more outsourcing jobs. No universal health care. NO MORE SOCIALISM - or we lose our invaluable Republic and liberties. And we gain tyranny.
 -- Nancy, Marion, OH		 
Franklin's admonishment is as true today as it was in his time. Be optimistic. 200 years later, we're still here and still concerned.
 -- Fred, Cincinnati		 
Keeping the republic begins with "keeping" our personal lives according to the principles of self-government under God. I give you another great quote by a founding father: "We have no government armed in power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a religious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other." John Adams
 -- Stephen Johnson, Addison, TX		 
FREEDOM-- A gift from God , that nurtures mans right to life , liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Conception of a child is also a gift from god neither should ever be aborted ,thrown away, nor taken from you by other men. Both must be defended as GOD has a plan and purpose over and above men of the world for both. STAND WITH GOD , amen. . .
 -- DOUG LOVETT, WALKER, LA.		 
I believe in the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence being the truth of Franklins word's. He new of mans flawed nature warning us by Saying "if you can keep it"
 -- Frederick Manzke, NYC, NY		 
I think all who posted on this board are right on the mark. What can you do? Join your State Tea Party today!
 -- Merylee, South Florida		 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOUS6OalV2I&feature=related
 -- Logan, Memphis, TN		 
Joel from Rochester, stop believing and start knowing what you say is the truth because it is.
 -- Anon		 
kyle, basin, because you're posting here you must have questions you're seeking answers to so just keep seeking with a questioning mind and you will eventually know what to think. Don't decide one way or the other based on confusion which is caused by lack of knowledge. Take the time to teach yourself and don't rely on teachers on either side.
 -- Anon		 
Excellent link Logan and I recommend it to anyone who is seeking answers. Nothing but the individual possesses rights.
 -- Anon		 
The government of the day seeks to remain in power and expand its control at the point of a gun. That is the underlying truth, that you will comply as the ultimate threat is one of violence. This is why we must NEVER let ourselves be disarmed. The Obama regime is going after guns and ammuntion and your right to bear with a quiet zeal that is previously unseen in America. There's a reason for that.
 -- J Carlton, Calgary		 
J Carlton is right, and remember that these liberal gun grabbers never quit. Like cockroaches, they work better in the dark. When the light of truth is turned on, they scurry away but they do not die. There is a reason they want to outlaw guns and they are not stupid. They have an agenda. Obama, Reed, Pelosi, and the gang are surely the most dangerous bunch that have ever been in power in Washington.
 -- jim k, austin		 
Franklin understood the tenuous nature of what he and the other founders had accomplished, and he knew exactly what he was saying to Mrs. Powell. As Thomas Jefferson would later write,"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" (http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Thomas.Jefferson.Quote.B372).
 -- A.WOODS, Gloucester		 
J Carlton have you any evidence about Obama going after guns and ammunition. Those of you who prefer a republic to a democracy must be very happy with what is going on in Iran.
 -- Waffler, Smith		 
Waffler, normally I would ignore you and your communist mind set. But you have offered me an opportunity to showcase the communist agenda. I am at work at the moment but will come back to this later this evening. Check this link again tomorrow. I will "bury" you in evidence. Have a nice day. :)
 -- J Carlton, Calgary		 
Gun policy As a state legislator in Illinois, Obama supported banning the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic firearms, increasing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms and requiring manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.[263] In 1996, during Obama's run for the Illinois State Senate, he was surveyed by a Chicago nonprofit, Independent Voters of Illinois about criminal justice and other issues. Obama's questionnaire showed that he supported a ban on the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns. Subsequently, Obama denied that his writing was on the document and said that he never favored a ban on the sale and possession of handguns.[264][265][266] In 1999, he urged prohibiting the operation of any gun store within five miles of a school or park, which according to gun-rights advocates would eliminate gun stores from most of the inhabited portion of the United States.[267] He sponsored a bill in 2000 limiting handgun purchases to one per month. As state senator, he voted against a 2004 measure that allowed self-defense as an affirmative defense for those charged with violating local laws making it otherwise unlawful for such persons to possess firearms.[268] He also voted against allowing persons who had obtained domestic violence protective orders to carry handguns for their protection.[267] From 1994 through 2002, Obama was a board member of the Joyce Foundation, which amongst other non-gun related activities provides funds for gun control organizations in the United States.[269][270] While in the U.S. Senate, Obama has supported several gun control measures, including restricting the purchase of firearms at gun shows and the reauthorization of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban.[271] Obama voted against legislation protecting firearm manufacturers from certain liability suits, which gun-rights advocates say are designed to bankrupt the firearms industry.[272] Obama did vote in favor of the 2006 Vitter Amendment to prohibit the confiscation of lawful firearms during an emergency or major disaster, which passed 84-16.[273] During a February 15, 2008 press conference, Obama stated, "I think there is an individual right to bear arms, but it's subject to commonsense regulation."[274] Obama has also stated his opposition to allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms[275] and supports a national law outlawing the practice,[276][277] saying on Chicago Public Radio in 2004 "I continue to support a ban on concealed carry laws".[278] Obama initially voiced support of Washington, D.C.'s handgun ban. Following the Supreme Court decision that the ban was unconstitutional, he revised his position in support of the decision overturning the law, saying, "Today's decision reinforces that if we act responsibly, we can both protect the constitutional right to bear arms and keep our communities and our children safe."[279] He also said, in response to the ruling, "I have always believed that the Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to bear arms... The Supreme Court has now endorsed that view."[280] After being elected as President, Obama announced that he favors measures that respect Second Amendment rights, while at the same time keeping guns away from children and criminals. He further stated that he supports banning private transfers of firearms at gun shows (referred to as "closing the gun show loophole"), "making guns in this country childproof", and permanently reinstating the expired Assault Weapons Ban.[281]....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Barack_Obama
 -- J Carlton, Calgary		 
The second amendment aint about duck hunting...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk9GwXJNM2c
 -- J Carlton		 
Obama speaks on Gun Control...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB4ew09eoeQ&feature=related
 -- J Carlton		 
Obama's 10 point plan to "change" the second amendment...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADkScpQyfc8&feature=related
 -- J Carlton		 
Rasmussen poll, Americans Fear Obama's Gun Control:.....http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20090702/pl_usnw/_rasmussen_poll_confirms_americans_fear_obama_gun_control_agenda____ccrkba
 -- J Carlton		 
Obama spinning outright lies:..... Brad O'Leary Bio Email Article.... By Brad O'Leary Friday, May 15, 2009 U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has stated that the Obama administration would like to resurrect the Clinton ban on semi-automatic firearms, as well as other gun control laws. One of the reasons for bringing back these unpopular laws, according to Holder, is that Mexican drug cartels are becoming increasingly violent and warring with Mexican government troops. Holder says that some of the guns being used by the Mexican drug mafia are being obtained illegally from the United States. Mexico is a country with a reputation for political corruption and a healthy disregard for the individual rights of its citizens. Still, Holder and the Obama administration think that limiting the Second Amendment rights of U.S. citizens is a cure for drug violence in Mexico. However, according to a recent poll conducted by The O'Leary Report and Zogby International, a vast majority of the American voting public disagrees. The poll, which was conducted March 20-23 and has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 1.5 percentage points, asked 4,523 likely voters: "Mexican officials, gun control groups and officials at the Department of Homeland Security claim drug cartels are crossing the U.S. border in order to obtain guns illicitly. Others say that the Mexican drug cartels are equipped with military hardware including grenades, anti-tank missiles and mortars -- all weapons that are not available to the American public. Which of the following do you think is the main source for Mexican drug cartel arms?" Sixty-five percent of voters say that the international black market is the main source for Mexican drug cartel arms, while only 13.5 percent think these arms are coming from U.S. gun stores (3.5 percent think the arms are coming from somewhere else and 18 percent are not sure). Among voters aged 18-29 years old, one of President Obama's strongest groups of supporters, 73 percent say international black market, and just six percent say U.S. gun stores (two percent say somewhere else and 19 percent are not sure). A strong majority of self-described Independent voters (65 percent) also say that the international black market is main source of arms for Mexican drug cartels, and only 12 percent say U.S. gun stores (four percent say somewhere else and 19 percent are not sure).
 -- J Carlton		 
http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2008/10/nra-cites-obamas-gun-control-record.html ..."Barack Obama has proposed or supported anti-gun policies so radical and so far beyond the fringe that few politicians have dared to even mention them publicly." ...According to the magazine, Obama has: Supported banning hundreds of rifles and shotguns commonly used for hunting and sport shooting; Voted to allow 'reckless' lawsuits designed to put the firearms industry out of business; Voted to allow the prosecution of citizens who use a firearm for self-defense in the home; Supported increasing taxes on firearms and ammunition by 500 percent; Voted to ban virtually all rifle ammunition commonly used for hunting and sport shooting; Became a member of the board of directors of the radically anti-gun Joyce Foundation; Said in 1996 that he supported a complete handgun ban in a questionnaire from the Independent Voters of Illinois; Proposed a ban on gun stores within five miles of any school or park; Stated his support for gun owner licensing and firearm registration; Voted for one-gun-a-month handgun purchase limits; Voted against confirming pro-Second Amendment justices to the U.S. Supreme Court.
 -- J Carlton		 
Obama Gun Control - Lightning Assault on Freedom and Gun Owners. Obama and Cohorts Didn't Waste Any Time Restricting Americans' Freedoms... http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/a/obamaguncontrol.htm
 -- J Carlton		 
I can literally do this all day Waffler. But that you should ask about something so blatantly obvious tells me just how absolutely ill informed you truly are. And an earlier assertion that you and all other communists need to be ignored if not expelled from these United States becomes all too obvious....I'll leave you with these thoughts... "If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."...... "And that the said Constitution be never construed to authorize Congress to infringe the just liberty of the press, or the rights of conscience; or to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms; or to raise standing armies, unless necessary for the defense of the United States, or of some one or more of them; or to prevent the people from petitioning, in a peaceable and orderly manner, the federal legislature, for a redress of grievances; or to subject the people to unreasonable searches and seizures of their persons, papers or possessions."~ Samuel Adams....
 -- J Carlton, Calgary		 
Ok, one more... http://current.com/items/90307446_fear-note-from-a-cop-scott-wagner-is-a-police-academy-commander.htm ...Note From A Cop... The fear on the street is palpable. Ever since the election of Barack Obama as President of these United States in November 2008, coupled with the election of a democrat party majority in both the U.S. House and Senate, concern for the United States and personal safety has ignited like a fire in dry grass. Sales of guns - black guns, rifles, shotguns and handguns (particularly 9mm) everywhere, have gone through the roof. AR15s have literally flown off of dealer shelves, and only now in the spring of 2009, have I seen the display samples of ARs begin to reappear on the wall of my favorite shooting emporium after the initial post election rush. Manufacturers of ARs are still working to catch up and some of the major suppliers are as much as 150,000 guns behind. Not only that, ammo is in the shortest supply I have ever seen in the 43 years of my shooting life. Have you recently tried to get 5.56mm, 9mm or even 380 ammo? Supplies of 5.56mm and 9mm ammo are in short supply due to the black gun buying craze; .380ACP because of the rise in people getting concealed carry permits and the resurgence of interest in convenient 380 handguns like the fine Ruger LCP. In fact, in doing a review of the Ruger LCP, my gun store only had a small supply of ONE .380 round on hand, the Winchesters 95-grain SXT, which they had just gotten in. Unfortunately, I had to do a 30-round review of that pistol. There was none other to be found. The 5.56mm was the first caliber to noticeably be in short supply. This was first due to the war effort, the headlong adoption of 5.56mm rifles by law enforcement agencies ever since the great LAPD bank robbery and shootout, the general shooting public interest in and acceptance of the AR15 weapons system along with a realization that yes, the AR does have sporting purpose, and of course now, this new fear that is on the street. Sales of ARs also went up following 9/11. What is odd about this new fear is that it is not coming from the average citizen gun owner out there, but it is coming from what to me is an almost shocking source: street cops. Street cops and SWAT cops that I know from various agencies - rural, suburban and metro - in my area are scared. Cops that before November 2008 never gave much thought (that I knew of anyway) to politics or more importantly to gun rights. For the most part, these are the guys that didn't generally have any interest in shooting or gun ownership beyond keeping track of where their duty gun is, and a few of them didn't even do that so well. The guys I am talking about now are some of the same guys who used to not even carry off duty on a regular basis - but not anymore. They don't scare easily, defenders of the Constitution of this State and the United States (as our oath of office reads), have been buying ARs, survival gear, and all the ammo they can lay their hands on. All of them (or I should say "us") have been discussing and have been acquiring guns to provide a layered perimeter defense. We want something in .308 (or in my case a superb M1 Garand in .30-06) for covering the outer perimeters, 5.56mm weapons for mid-range use (for some with more limited funds, the AK-47 and 7.62■39 cartridge will suffice), and for the close up stuff shotguns and handguns (love my Benelli M4 Tactical and Beretta 92 9mm). What are we suddenly so afraid of? Well in our discussions it seems to boil down to four areas. First, fear of federal government intrusion into our lives. Every time I look at or listen to the news, there is something new and intrusive coming out of the Obama administration and this Congress. New tax schemes, government-run Canadian-style healthcare, a volunteer citizen defense force (whatever that is, what happened to the National Guard?) equipped with funding similar to our military, forced voluntary "service" after retirement, a lack of a southern border with hordes of illegal and criminal aliens pouring over our border, the swine flu scare as well as government forced closing of thousands of privately held Chrysler and GM dealerships, which will be the final nail in the coffin for these companies and the list goes on and on. But these items in the news are just the tip of the iceberg. We can't see the full impact of these actions yet, but we don't know what was added into the thousand of pages of stimulus package bills in the dead of night yet. I predict however that when the plans contained in the stimulus packages go into effect, a lot of us are going to be surprised if not shocked by what has suddenly and sweepingly changed. What also scares us is the second, well-founded fear that there is an assault weapons ban looming, one that would make the Clinton Ban appear like a look of disdain in comparison. I remember well the 1990s and the Clinton years: the rise of militia groups, the "black helicopter" rumors and paranoia, all of which was motivated by the Brady Law and the Assault Weapon's ban. What if a new ban comes requiring registration or confiscation and turn-in of banned weapons as what happened in Australia? I watched cops and citizens alike purchase these guns at $900 dollars and more, with custom or tricked out guns easily running into the $2,000 range. Then add on all the accessories, red dots, lights, slings and anything else you can name and you may have up to $3,000 wrapped up in your rig. I saw the looks in their eyes. These purchasers weren't spending this kind of money just to turn in the guns for no compensation when a government tells them to. I foresee much civil disobedience coming down the road. Americans are citizens, and not subjects like the British, Canadians or Australians. They just don't always obey the law blindly and not one officer or citizen that I spoke to said anything like "I hope I get to keep this gun for awhile before they are banned; They are fun to shoot, so I would hate to give it up." It isn't going to happen, so the cop on the street and the soldier on the base needs to think now what he will do if the orders come down. I think you all get what I am saying here. Which leads me to the third fear, that there is a revolution coming, yes, a revolution on the scale of the original American Revolution. You can hear this topic discussed on many of the talk radio shows by even the big name hosts. The possibility of an armed revolution against the U.S. government is being discussed, albeit very gingerly and fleetingly and as something to be avoided, which it is. I never heard this mentioned in the 90s. One of my quietest, low profile officer friends brought it up the other day. He said that at some point in the near future, he felt there is going to be an armed revolt if things keep going the way they are. Something has got to give. I was shocked. Yes, I had heard this from some of my more radical cop friends in the past, but to hear it from a guy like this was unprecedented. Now, these guys are not saying this will happen to foment revolution, preach sedition or to even participate. They just want to be ready if it happens, to at least defend their families, because number four on the fear list is general societal chaos. Cops fear for their parents, wives, children or grandchildren more now than ever before. Most cops are encouraging their spouses and loved ones to get concealed carry permits. Not only that, but some of these same cops are buying gun mounts for their personal cars so they can carry an AR in the family ride at the ready all the time. They are also strapping on heavier forms of off-duty hardware. I have other friends that are issued ARs or subguns for tactical team use, who always have their gear with them and are planning on just commandeering these weapons for personal use in defending hearth and home.... Final Notes.... This is pretty heady and maybe even dangerous stuff. Know fully that I am not advocating anything here. I am reflecting to you what I see and hear going on around me, and maybe saying things that haven't been said in the open, until now. It is something to think about.... /*Written By; Scott Wagner is a Police Academy Commander and Professor at Columbus State Community College in Columbus Ohio, and Commander of the 727 Counter Terror Training Unit. A 29 year law enforcement veteran, and current Deputy Sheriff, he is the Precision Marksman for the Union County Sheriff's Office SRT Team.*/
 -- J Carlton		 
To much stuff J really to much stuff. As Shakespear said I thinketh thou protesteth to much. When Clinton passed assault weapons control Reagan and Bush one said "Why yes that is just common sense and Reagan added, hell we already have that in Californina" While they called it common sense they had no balls to do anything about it when they could." Where has all the common sense gone and where have all the brave politicians gone men like Clinton." An Ernest Hemingway son said the other day, "My dad hunted and played with guns becasue it made him feel more like a man." The son further went on to say "I think my Dad was really insecure about his manhood, that is why he plays with guns." I have but don't play with them to much. Anyway as you well know all the guns, at least those in the hands of men under age 45, are ultimately under the command and control of Obama as Commander In Chief. All men under 45 are part of the militia, either the organized or unorganized militia. Now presumably if the old folk with guns attack the government we could have a generational war of the young under The President against us old timers. Now the young could become traitors to The Constitution, but God forbid such thoughts. As a knowledable friend told me if a criminally minded person is close enough for you to use a handgun he is already to close, better off with a shotgun.
 -- Waffler, Smith		 
Point taken Waffler. I do not want to see another American civil war. But I think if the central government keeps pushing its agenda of disarmament we will have one.
 -- J Carlton		 
Thanks, Carlton, for all the info, but it is not relevant to the quote. We will archive this and find another place for it. It reminds me that we need to launch a discussion forum for topics such as gun control. Cheers, Eric.
 -- Editor, Liberty Quotes		 
J Carlton, your patriotism is admirable.
 -- Anon		 
Eric, I do apologize and I did hesitate to do this here. I was "challenged" on my assertion that we have a White House that is trying to disarm us. (Historically that can lead to nothing good.) And it was too compelling a challenge to resist. I would not be offended if you removed the posts. Happy 4th of July to all.
 -- J Carlton		 
Thanks Anon, I try. :)
 -- J Carlton		 
Perhaps the "if you can keep it" has come -- the United States today can more logically be considered a 'military-industrial-congressional complex' rather than a 'republic' as warned by President Eisenhower in his farewell address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y06NSBBRtY (He apparently dropped the term 'congressional' from his earlier versions of this warning.)
 -- Jim, Stone Mountain, GA		 
Yeah. And he also said: "God helps those who help themselves". Arguments are weapons that destroy political enemies when well-spread. The argument the democrats have "help the poor" will only be destroyed when the people can be convinced that "helping themselves" will feel better.
 -- Elisabeth, Astoria, NY		 
Well done J Carlton, and thank you. You seem very well informed regarding the gun control debates in the US. Are you from the Calgary in Alberta? If so, your presentation is all the more impressive. ___ Waffler, you might consider citing the passages quoted in your posts, or at least improving your accuracy, e.g., "As Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, 'The lady doth protest too much, methinks'." I don't mean MLA format or the like, but "An Ernest Hemingway son said the other day, "My dad hunted and played with guns becasue (sic) it made him feel more like a man," doesn't do much to support your argument. I'm curious about this and the son's other statement. Searches with Dogpile, Exalead, and, as a last resort, Google returned no results for these statements, even when the spelling errors were corrected. ___ In light of your previous references to your academic background I would suggest that this is one way you might improve your credibility.
 -- A.WOODS, Gloucester		 
A.Woods - Yes I live in beautiful Alberta near the Rockies. I have the stars and stripes and the Declaration on my office wall. Drives my Canadian wife nuts, but she knows who I am. :) I'm active in the Libertarian Party of Canada and do my best to espouse the virtues of liberty and responsibility when asked by Canadians and Americans alike. While there are many aspects of today's government(s) that are dangerous to our well being...there will be no further debate if we are to be disarmed. That's why I start with gun control laws. Thanks, and Be Well.
 -- J Carlton, Calgary		 
I have a Question! What can we do to keep our republic healthy for the century to come?
 -- Janette, Denver		 
I'll give Ben one star. He probably never thought that America would come to the situation it now finds itself in. He should have looked at the lessons of the past. The prime motivating factor in all of human history has been the lust for power. He who has that power rules. The average citizen has no choice but to follow the ruler's wishes. The average citizen can rebel, but after the dust settles, the lust for power still exists. And eventually the powerful prevail once again. Power today resides in the hands of those who control the wealth. It has nothing to do with political parties, really. The late George Wallace spoke the truth when he stated "there's not a dimes worth of difference between the Democrats and Republicans". Political parties, however, are very good at convincing the people that they have same say in their governments. Which of course suits the real powers in this country: the super-wealthy. The frightening fact is that, apart from revolution, which is what Ben's generation did, there is no other way to change this system of power. But the joke on the human race is that, even if you overthrow this system, and take power to yourself and to your fellow revolutionaries, and you then become the power, you also begin to lust for more power. And then one day you realize that you have become like the thing you most despised. And the next generations suffer because you didn't learn one important fact. And that fact is that you did not learn the lessons of the past. That is the prime lesson of history: mankind does not learn from the mistakes of the past, and is therefore condemned to repeat them. Over and over, so long as the world shall exist. If you could change human nature, you could solve all the world's problems. But the sad fact is that you can't change human nature. You can control your own nature, but you can't actually change it. Most don't even bother to try.
 -- Gary, Asheville, NC		 
I agree with all the comments shown except for the parts about hatred and name calling. I like our constitution, especially the Bill of Rights. I don't have a gun, but I think we need them to protect ourselves against the strong centralized government that the Founding Fathers feared. But, we have already lost those freedoms. Every one of them have been abridged. It began almost immediately, was shown evident with the put down of the Whiskey Rebellion and was closed and sealed with the Patriot Act. Cartman had it right. All of our Founding Fathers, except maybe John Adams, said one thing and did another. Jefferson changed and became a wolf. Franklin turned his back on France who sent the troops and the money that won our Revolution for us, etc., etc. If you read our history, you will read the words spoken and written like freedom, truth, justice, honor. But, by their deeds ye shall know them. This nation was formed by lying, cheating, stealing, enslaving, and killing. Sad but true. There is no escaping a totalitarian government in the US or anyplace else because it can be done easily now with computers tracking all of us. We have lost our American Empire before most US citizens knew we even had one. History shows us the continous patterns, but few Americans are interested in learning from the past. The US is on its way down. There is no escaping it. The sine curve is just faster now because of technology. The only future for one Superpower is that everyone else in the world will unite to defeat it. I knew totalitarian government would come to the United States. I just didn't know I would live to see it.
 -- Lorna Abbott, Chillicothe, Ohio		 
It is astounding we know of (and are warned of) these things, but continue to think the "other guy" will take care of it.
 -- Beth Brown, Davisburg, MI		 
As a 30 year Navy veteran, my thoughts: "The enemy is not the taliban or alqueda in Iraq or Afghanistan, it is the liberal politician in our own backyard known as D.C. the District of Corruption".
 -- Max Sanchez USN/RET, ALBUQUERQUE, NM		 
We are losing our republic - terrorists will not take down America - it will be taken down from inside our own government. We must go back to our founding documents and founding father's writings and secure liberty and freedom once more! One fact is that career politicians are destroying the type of limited government the founders put in place. The republic is a very fragile thing. Read your Declaration of Independence - Read your Constitution!
 -- Matt, Amherst, OH		 
The Revolution is under attack from those who would place us back in Tyranny. They are counter-revolutionary in Nature and will bring back the same Yokes, that were used to bind Us, under the King.
 -- Marauder, Spring TX		 
Waffler, as a point of fact & under Authority of the Constitution, The Militia Officers are to be appointed by the governor's of Their respective States, & also under the control of the Governor. What has become the National Guard was orinally the state militia elements untill WW2. Several States still have Official State Militia's. Texas is one of them and I am proud to say I served 5 years with the Organization and left after I finished Hurricane Katrina duty, operating evacuation shelters. Furthermore, the age of the Federal Militia's is 50 years of age, not 45, though I feel it should be as long as you can fight or defend.
 -- Marauder, Spring TX		 
i am from calgary alberta and i would like to find a group of people that are doing something about taking back freedom from the commie governments
 -- rory, calgary alberta		 
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