"I am commonly opposed to those who modestly assume the rank of champions of liberty, and make a very patriotic noise about the people. It is the stale artifice which has duped the world a thousand times, and yet, though detected, it is still successful. I love liberty as well as anybody. I am proud of it, as the true title of our people to distinction above others; but ... I would guard it by making the laws strong enough to protect it."
by:
Fisher Ames
(1758-1808), American statesman, orator and political writer
Source:
letter to George Richard Minot, June 23, 1789
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Reader comments about this quote:
Liberty is: The power of acting as one thinks fit, without any restraint or control, except from the laws of nature. (Bouviers Law Dictionary) Liberty: exemption from extraneous control. The power of the will, in its moral freedom, to follow the dictates of its unrestricted choice, and to direct the external acts of the individual without restraint, coercion, or control from other persons. Liberty is the right which nature gives to all mankind of disposing of their persons and property after the manner they judge most consistent with their happiness, on condition of their acting within the limits of the law of nature, and so as not to interfere with an equal exercise of the same rights by other men. (Blacks Law Dictionary 1st ed.) Liberty: "Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add within the limits of the law,' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual." (Thomas Jefferson) Today, I am not aware of any laws championing liberty.
 -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    The first sentence of the quote sums up politicians in Washington today. They "make a very patriotic noise about the people" and then support left wing policies. This includes most republicans and all democrats.
     -- Jim k     
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    "The stale artifice which has duped the world a thousand times..." !!
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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    So many " Modestly assume the rank of champions of liberty ". measured and compared among themselves. The Rock upon which the republic rest is not bound ! Most representatives of the Christian church at large, ( I say that loosely ), take the bribe of salary from their own quarter. Ordained for that purpose, to bring to light those chosen according to God's Elect. True statesmen are born, never manufacture ! " The husbandman that laboreth must first be partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give the understanding in all things. remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." I Tim 2:6 thru 10 KJB Liberty owes it virtue to honest testimony. " For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner : but be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his purpose in grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus BEFORE the world began. I Tim 1:7,8,9
     -- Ronw13, Yachats Or     
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