"The spirit of resistance to government
is so valuable on certain occasions,
that I wish it to be always kept alive.
It will often be exercised when wrong
but better so than not to be exercised at all.
I like a little rebellion now and then.
It is like a storm in the atmosphere."
by:
Thomas Jefferson
(1743-1826), US Founding Father, drafted the Declaration of Independence, 3rd US President
Source:
Letter to Abigail Adams, 22 February 1787
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Reader comments about this quote:
 -- Mike, Norwalk      
 -- Logan, Memphis, TN      
Obviously Jefferson believed there'd be enough rebellion to keep America going for a long time. Thus he was wrong as rebellion did not happen again until....well, until when? The war between the states or prohibition? Not once has there been the type of rebellion Jefferson spoke of and if he was here today I venture to say he'd ask..."Well, what are you waiting for?"-----5 stars for the intent of Jefferson but thumbs down for those who never listened.
 -- Anon     
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    The tenets of liberty and freedom, for which we have sent so many to die on foreign soil, seem to be lost here in the land of liberty. Jefferson was right. A little rebellion in the air is a healthy thing.
     -- J Carlton, Calgary     
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    Perhaps the Tea Parties are the beginning of the rebellion needed to get back our country. Naturally, all the lib maggots in Washington and their useful idiots in the press are trying to destroy the Tea's by ,surprise, playing the old reliable race card. We all know that you can't oppose Obama unless you're a racist.
     -- jim k, Austin     
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    What a pity that race has to the issue, but it is a diversion. The real reason for the long overdue rebellion we are now seeing in the TEA party, and others that have found it necessary to organize, is the Anarchy that looms ahead. We can thank the Congress and our current president for being so hell bent on pushing their Progressive Agenda, that the American People are finally "nudged" awake. Let us hope and pray (yes, PRAY) that America's true values and principles will win back our Constitutional Republic. We must return to our roots in order to assure the future our Founders set out for us. All important to this task will be to return to our Beloved Constitution.
     -- Carol, Georgia     
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    Adorable!
     -- Elisabeth, Astoria, NY     
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    Sounds like the Tea Party to me. They are wong but I support their right to be wong 100%. Just like I support Mike.
     -- Waffler, Smith     
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    Bless you Thomas Jefferson, wish you were here to help.
     -- Abigail Adams     
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    As a advocate of democracy if you have a an issue of security and health involving my nation please step forward and state your case, if you are reasonable I'm sure I'll acquiesce. If you resist life I will resist you.  If you accept life I accept you. 
     -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown     
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    Again I have apologize Mr Editor Libertytree.  Again I am forced by conscience to deviate from agreed on conditions and speak out against any violence that may be occuring on the European continent. As the voice of humanity I demand  those involved in any national animosities immediately cease and desist. While you Europeans have long ago lost your voice. The voice is quite alive in the new world. Again, halt your violence.
     -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown     
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