"On the distinctive principles of the Government ... of the U. States, the best guides are to be found in ... The Declaration of Independence, as the fundamental Act of Union of these States."
by:
James Madison
(1751-1836), Father of the Constitution for the USA, 4th US President
Source:
in a letter to Thomas Jefferson, 1825
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Reader comments about this quote:
funny, no one would sign it when it was written but John Hancock and his buddy when one mentioned it would be a hanging for signing it. It was over a month later before Jefferson and the rest would stick their heads in the noose!
 -- cal, lewisville     
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    absolutely !
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    O dear James, if only you were alive today to see what a mockery we are making of this incredible document. Unfortunately, those enlightened ones who were so careful and thoughtful of others to create this precious legacy have long gone, and now we have been hijacked by greed and avarice and are no longer the stewards we were meant to be.
     -- RBESRQ     
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    For me, making this declaration myself is the fundamental act of being a freeman. The Declaration is not a document -- it is personally spoken; it is the taking of a stand. With that declaration I answer the questions, 'who am I and why am I here?' self-evidently. It is a shift from riding to driving. It is the taking of responsibility. It is quintessentially American.

    But people under collapsing authoritarian governments may be ready to face the music and make a declaration of independence of their own! Imagine the sleeping giant China waking up, or North Korea toppling their dictator. The global consciousness is awakening -- the 'fake news' is not new -- it has been standard practice around the globe to create fake 'needs.' Those that demand expensive drug and medical treatments as rights have been tricked out of taking responsibility for their health -- the treatment is worse than the disease. Same for fundamentalists in religion and politics -- get out of hell free cards, community chests, taxes and tribute, all for a 'promise' of salvation and security. Nature makes no promises.

    Courage is to Independence as Responsibility is to Liberty.
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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     -- jim k, Austin      
     
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