Famous Thomas Jefferson Quote 

"God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion.
The people cannot be all, and always, well informed. The part which is
wrong will be discontented, in proportion to the importance of the facts
they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions,
it is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. ...
And what country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not
warned from time to time, that this people preserve the spirit of
resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as
to the facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost
in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from
time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
It is its natural manure."

by:
Thomas Jefferson
(1743-1826), US Founding Father, drafted the Declaration of Independence, 3rd US President
Source:
November 13, 1787, letter to William S. Smith, quoted in Padover's Jefferson On Democracy, ed., 1939
http://books.google.com/books?id=imMmIlv1G7MC&pg=PA268&q=&f=false#v=onepage&q=&f=false
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Reader comments about this quote:
 -- Anonymous 
 -- Ken ********, Aurora 
I think Americans should pay more attention to the words of our founding fathers than to the talking heads on the media.and to the political poltroons and robots in Washington!
 -- John-Douglas, Nassau		 
Well the blood of patriots has been shed at places like Waco and Ruby Ridge and who knows where else in the USA - but how come the blood of tyrants has not been shed, not even one drop? Or do Americans prefer slavery to freedom?
 -- GWDrope, Grimsby, Canada		 
I think we Americans have grown accustomed to the manure of Big Government and Bureaucratic Bull - and we enjoy wallowing in this political filth, just like pigs in the mud.
 -- JDoN, Michigan		 
 -- Chris , Oxford, MS 
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants." The blood of patriots and tyrants is being spilled everyday in the name of liberty. God Bless our Troops and God Bless America.
 -- NYC native, new york city		 
I agree with NYC Native in some sense, but I think you are interpreting the quote incorrectly. Jefferson is speaking on domestic behalfs. This is more a support for 2nd Amendment (RIght to bear arms) than anything else. He is saying Americans inherently will fight for their rights. It is the governments duty to respond. It is also a warning to keep an open government so the people can see what is happening and not rebel. We have minor cases of this called "riots" but other than that, the people are happy enough not to rebel against the govt. He is speaking of civil war and revolt. As for foreign affairs, I believe the ends will justify the means, but that has nothing to do with this quote since we were not attacked by Americans.
 -- Rob, Raleigh		 
In our vast ignorance, Americans have taken this quote and twisted it to justify our foreign wars in recent years. This quote was talking about REVOLUTION on our own soil, not about going abroad and exerting our will in other peoples' lands. But I do think it's a very appropriate quote for the times, in it's original context.
 -- EB, Michigan		 
 -- James T. Shaw, Sr., New Castle, PA 
Gun control advocates should read this quote and think about what it really means.
 -- M, LVNV		 
Freedom - democracy, individual and economic freedom are the only systems worth defending. The only other alternative is Socialism in various forms.
 -- GWL, MPLS		 
 -- Anonymous 
THOMAS JEFFERSON ROCKS MY WORLD!!!
 -- Anonymous, MARY"LANDOFTHEFREE"		 
In the name of telling us what medicines to use, the government has already declared war on the American people! It's time to take our country back!
 -- Mary Jane Hempster, Independence, MO		 
This quote means to assert that the people must keep abreast of what is going on in government, otherwise our liberties will be lost to the actions of those in charge. We must react to an infringement upon our lilberty in accordance with it's severity, and let the governing body know we still retain the spirit of revolution and will protect our rights. His referance to the blood of patriots not only refers to sacrifice of life for liberty, but also the sacrifice of lesser things.
 -- Dave, Annapolis		 
"No experiment can be more interesting than that we are now trying, and which we trust will end in establishing the fact, that man may be governed by reason and truth. Our first object should therefore be, to leave open to him all the avenues to truth. The most effectual hitherto found, is the freedom of the press. It is, therefore, the first shut up by those who fear the investigation of their actions." - Thomas Jefferson to John Tyler, 1804. ME 11:33 "I was bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led, and bearding every authority which stood in their way." - Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Cooper, 1814. ME 14:85 "It [appears] that however certain forms of government are better calculated than others to protect individuals in the free exercise of their natural rights, and are at the same time themselves better guarded against degeneracy, yet experience [has] shown that, even under the best forms, those entrusted with power have, in time and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny." --Thomas Jefferson: Diffusion of Knowledge Bill, 1779. FE 2:220, Papers 2:526 "Man once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without rudder, is the sport of every wind. With such persons, gullibility, which they call faith, takes the helm from the hand of reason, and the mind becomes a wreck." --Thomas Jefferson to James Smith, 1822. ME 15:409 "We shall have our follies without doubt. Some one or more of them will always be afloat. But ours will be the follies of enthusiasm, not of bigotry, not of Jesuitism. Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. Education and free discussion are the antidotes of both. We are destined to be a barrier against the return of ignorance and barbarism." --Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1816. ME 15:58
 -- ect, boston		 
 -- Anonymous 
EB, Michigan. shut the fuck up. i guess the tree of liberty only sprouts in america. if someone else needs help getting freedom then i'm down.
 -- Anonymous, an nasariyah Iraq		 
 -- Anonymous 
Anon from Nasariyah, Iraq: you would do well to take your own advice. If we were to take Jefferson's advice to heart, the US would have had three or four violent revolutions in the past 25 years. And the most justified revolution would be against the current administration, responsible for putting your ass where it is right now. Killing 100,000 civillians in Iraq and then kicking off a civil war isn't going to look good on our international resume. Oh, you were going to save them from something... Yeah, right.
 -- Historian, Springfield		 
People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.
 -- V, Revolution		 
Thomas jefferson is a straight up racist fuck. He talked against britain for their involvement in the slave trade between colonies, yet he had over 600 personal slaves in his life time. not to mention is eurocentric philosophies that led to the assimilation of native americans, genetic genocide in my book. As far as im concerned, Jefferson is the early representatation of wat America is today...unchristian, racist, white, double standard euro american hell
 -- Dulani Wilson, London		 
it's important in that it's necessary to rattle the cages, while he proposes a violent and stupid minority, I'd go more for a peaceful, well informed majority, as for the previous comment about Iraq, um, I think in our current scenario the "blood of a tyrant" would be Bush's blood, as, we're sure as hell not revolting against anyone over in Iraq, far from it actually.
 -- Anonymous, Boulder CO		 
Jefferson was accurate in his thoughts that government needs to be afraid of it's people, not the other way around as that is called tyranny.
 -- Tom , Portland		 
 -- Anonymous 
I've put this excellent quote on the back of a hoodie/t-shirt here: http://www.cafepress.com/enemy_combatant The front has a pic of Jefferson with the words "ENEMY COMBATANT" underneath.
 -- Anonymous		 
although yes the blood is shed but whose to say the blood is from the patriots or tyrants i mean isn't a subjective question. i mean its just like the asking if stealing is wrong? isn't it?
 -- yngthought, seattle washington		 
Jesus Christ IS the ultimate socialist! Time to overthrow this evil American government and their international corporate sponsors; Mammon lovers one and all they are! Taking care of our fellow man should be the only 'business' humankind ever has, and the passing of gold and silver is an age to soon be but a horrilble chapter in the history of humanity. One can either serve God or Money there is no in-between! Praise Jesus! Amen. Amen. http://empyrius.blogspot.com/2007/02/republic-21st-century-odyssey.html
 -- Empyrius, Spokane		 
The words crafted by the Fathers of this country are magical in their clarity and meaning. The Declaration of Independance refers to "Natures God" not Jesus or Allah or Ra. The truth is that the spilling of the blood of tyrants and patriots is not just a quote from a famous american, it is a guidline to maintaining what was established (kind of like an owners manual). It has, is, and will happen. Its a plan, not a revalation. They are directions, not suggestions.
 -- Geologist, Cypress		 
The words have become rhetorical, as many of the wisdoms of our Founding Fathers. The truth of the matter is, the Tree of Liberty has been rotted to the core, and social democracy and the entitlement mentality have destroyed freedom and social fabric and empowered thieves and rapists.
 -- Wes Mantooth, Balad		 
NEVER has a quote been so needed to be understood and followed as this one today. BUT there is a problem that is our government is so scared of it's own people anyone who is caught saying things or even quoting verses as this will end up in Gitmo never to be heard of again.
 -- OSO, SEATTLE		 
More true today than it ever was.
 -- Brian Owens, Portland, Oregon		 
 -- Anonymous 
Public lethargy is indeed the forerunner to the demise of public liberty as Jefferson correctly wrote. America is currently in this dangerous stage of development. Only one in two thousand (1 in 2000) Americans can name the first five presidents. I call that lethargy. Wake up America and grasp at liberty once again before all is lost.
 -- Marc, www.SaveTheGuns.com		 
Waco & Ruby Ridge were not the homes of patriots, but rather of radical fools. Of much greater concern is the blood of the patriots of our troops which is being neadlessly spilled on a daily basis these past 5 years, all due to the lies of King George W. Yet armed rebellion is not the answer, the answer is for the congress to respect the measure of the people that this monarch is on the wrong path and must either turn or be turned out.
 -- Anonymous, Reston, VA US		 
Either Americans will embrace these words as the spirit of American Liberty or they will toss them aside for American Fascism. The choice has always been ours, the power has always been ours, and the consequences will always be ours. The choice is ours -- revolution or government totalitarianism. I am afraid lethargy is more prevalent than a desire to fight for our freedom -- but who knows -- I am ready.
 -- E Archer, NYC		 
We are too corrupt to take Jefferson's advice, just like the late Roman republic.
 -- Ken, Allyn, WA		 
it is My belief in these troubled times that Americans need to wake up and realize that their liberties and freedoms that they are taking for granted are slowly and inexorably being taken from them, whittled away because of their lack of knowledge and caring about their individual freedoms that many have shed blood for over the course of our history as a nation, Myself included...those who are true patriots will heed Jefferson's call to arms, though he cries it from the grave...
 -- Iceman, Ann Arbor MI		 
Two Words, one passed legislation: PATRIOT ACT. That's where your goverment signed away your right to private phone calls, the right against unreasonable search and in many cases free speech. You can no longer hold political beliefs that are "anti-american" without being questioned and possibly detained. You guys WERE the champions of the free world. Now apathy has replaced resistance, and fear has replaced freedom. Small protests aren't going to do it folks, it might be time to take Jefferson's words to heart.
 -- Lisha, Ottawa, Ontario Canada		 
On the basis of this quote, we can conclude that Jefferson would have approved of Timothy McVeigh's blowing up the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995. Jefferson approves of the ignorant taking violent action FIRST, and THEN society educates them as to the facts, and pardons them for their behavior. It implicitly defines as a tyrant any leader with whom the ignorant are so discontented as to take violent action against him/her. This is the advice of a moron.
 -- Goseyn, Three Rivers, CA		 
Reston, by your words, our founding fathers were "radical fools." The blood of the victims at Waco and Ruby Ridge is as patriotic and red as the troops who die in Iraq. Since Congress does not respect the people, perhaps it IS time for a rebellion. Term limits may go a long way to increasing the respect of Congress for the people who elected them, and put Congress on the same social security you and I have.
 -- Joe, Rochester, MI		 
I think many of you have read too much into this quote. Especially Goseyn in Three Rivers! (you are embarassing Californians). The blood spilt at Oklahoma City, Ruby Ridge, and Waco was not the blood of patriots. As little as I like those in government, they are not tyrants, (but they might be getting close). Jefferson wished that those that came after him would be free, it is simple. Jefferson hoped that those that took issue with government would not be lethargic, and would fight for it. The problem with most of these responses is that you are taking it LITERALLY. I don't believe that Jefferson meant for his statement to be taken that way some 220 years on.
 -- Nick, Fresno, CA		 
@Nick in Fresno: What do you think "Let them take arms" means, anyway? It means guns. What do you think "what signify a few lives lost in a century or two" means? If you bother to read very many quotes of the Founding Fathers, it wouldn't seem so odd to you. They just got done doing this very thing to their own government. I agree very much with a previous sentiment that when the people fear the government, rather than vice versa, it's a pretty good indication of tyranny. Perhaps I'll construct a "liberty alert system" with red, amber, yellow, etc. to easily inform people of the current status of threats on their liberty. I guess I'd have to start with orange being second worst status (and our current status), followed by red (soon to come). I'll worry about the other (less severe) colors when I think we're headed in that direction.
 -- Dorothy Mantooth, San Diego		 
I wonder if Thomas Jefferson felt Native Americans should revolt against the tyrannical Europeans who enslaved, murdered, raped and exploited them.
 -- Saul, Aztlan, Anahuac		 
 -- Josh, MO 
 -- Brent, Brookyln 
Well said, I'm glad I could find the total quote.
 -- Malathos, the south		 
Yep. Great quote. Too bad Americans are too afraid to fight for the Rights of Americans, but would rather fight for their Rght to party, instead. When T.S.H.T.F. the only ones left will be those who have prepared for it. The Haves will outlive the Have nots. The herded dummies who believe everything the government tells them will be thinned out. Then those who were willing to do what is necessary and/or their children will have back what God once gave them to defend.
 -- JR, UpState New York, 11th FF		 
This is in reponse to "Saul, Aztlan, Anahuac"...appearently one of the Conquered people of Mexico who now lives illegally in America. You were beaten in war. You lost. Get over it and get back over the fence you climbed over. Sure the people of this continent were done a lot of harm against; my ancestors included. But that was back before we had Illegal Aliens. The only reason the hordes of people want to come from Mexico into America is for the Freebies, the hand-outs, the Welfare Checks, the Free Money to start a business. You can't get it in your own country, so you come here to get it. You protest against Americans and America itself saying that this is your land. I say to that again; Your army of Santa Anna was beaten in open combat. You lost! Just like my people, the Native Americans. Time to come to terms with reality. Your argument has no credibility whatsoever. It is not bad enough that you allow your Mexican government to destroy your own country; now you come here to destroy ours. And you believe you can protest in the streets, say this is your country, burn our flag, destroy our property, murder our people and say it is your Right to do so. The only reason you do all of these things here in America is because if you did it in your own country, they would not hesitate to shoot you on sight. Don't confuse our compassion for weakness. There will come a time when we have no more compassion and will turn back the hordes of Invaders ... People like You... by any means necessary.
 -- JR, UpState New York, 11th FF		 
It is important to understand that power is a corrupting force that few can withstand. The inclination to act like a soveriegn is almost uncontrollable while holding high office. Ect's quote from Jefferson that America is an experiment to determine if a people can be governed by reason and truth is right on the money. Should a device like the US Patriot Act be acceptable to the people? Should we give up a bit of our freedom for a measure of safety? Are we ready to say that the experiment is over and we are only concerned with individual self-preservation at any cost? Have you Americans out there considered the far-reaching effects of the US Patriot Act? I believe the US Patriot Act is exactly the kind of thing that Jefferson is warning us about. Wake up America. Read the text. Read the facts surrounding it's passage. Then read George Orwell's 1984. Then tell me you disagree. Come'on Americans. Get on the ball! How did you get so far off if it? Lethargy will ruin this great country and you're to blame if you don't pay attention!
 -- HDTVJunkie, Fullerton, CA		 
I am a direct descendent of Thomas Jefferson, and I have great respect for him. Quotes like this, which remain applicable today, only multiply my respect.
 -- Reed, Roanoke		 
Read the 'Federalist Papers' and then tell me this quote from Jefferson doesn't mean anything today.
 -- Rick Glass, Ft. Pierce, FL		 
I'm pretty sure that a couple of lines later, Jefferson explains why taxes are a must. Yet, I never hear people quote that part ... hmmm.
 -- Charlie Gocio, Little Rock, Ark.		 
So tired of people complaining about the government. We all have the right to vote as do all, you don't like it, do something, anything. Until then, shut the fuck up and enjoy the freedom our military provides for all the degenerates who lean back and bash the very things that make us the greatest. Everything you have is the direct result of the blood spilled for us. The very fact that idiots can post their opinions here (without having their balls chopped off and shoved in their mouth) should be proof enough that our government does it's job. As for the "Patriot Act" whiners, the "Man" doesn't care if you're sleeping with your neighbor or any of the other sick things many of us like to talk about on phones. What he does care about is the growing tumors full of "fanatics" who enjoy what this great country provides and plan it's demise in the same breath. If you're not doing anything wrong then who gives a damn who's listening if you never know about it. There were electronic whiz kids listening to your dumbass long before the Patriot Act was ever passed so have some cheese with your whine. And I'm out, I have to get up early to make sure my small part of the worlds greatest Air Force is ready to kick ass and to write my wife who doing her part in Afghanistan.
 -- Big D, Tucson AZ.		 
We are, in one sense, fortunate to be couched in an uniquely American economy of an historic and extraordinary abundance. I can imagine that while the Forefathers may not have dreamed of such scope and wealth they may see fit to modify what compounding of modern 'abuses and usurpations' triggers a desire to water liberty's tree.
 -- Jack Ian Mayer, Edwardsville Illinois		 
 -- Anonymous 
There goes big duck killing for the American corpotocracy that is his true enemy! You and the wife keep on killing innocents over there, at least you are not yet killing innocents over here, in America. Jesus even dined with a tax collector but he didn't pay taxes to the Roman state (being that he didn't have any money), and as he took to heaven one of the thieves he was crucified with, I thank G-d that indeed there is hope for all of us. Shed yourself of the idolatry of patriotism and instead arm thyself with the armor of Christ! Amen.
 -- empyrius, Spokane		 
There are a lot of tyrants in Washington these days. Is a day coming when the tree of liberty will be refreshed again? With all the things I read these days about a coming North American Union and NAFTA highway, a national/international ID (REAL ID), and the executive powers the president has given himself in so-called times of distress, America appears to be on a downward spiral path towards fascism. What recourse will Americans have who want to preserve liberty? We cannot continue to sit on our butts.
 -- Petros		 
Amen Big D!! Empty Head of Spokane needs to remember who is saving his ass from all the tyrants abroad, because words do not cut it big guy. You think terrorists or any other radicals in this world want to listen to your ranting? Words are not going to save us!! They would rather cut your head off than have to listen to you and your biblical tyrade. That is what a lot of you people posting here do not understand, TALK IS CHEAP!!! These people do not care what you have to say, get it through your thick skulls! They will keep attacking until they have destroyed every last one of us. I may not agree with everything that our government does, but I damn sure believe it is better than any other country in this world and I will damn sure keep fighting for it, so you may all have the RIGHTS and FREEDOMS that you take for granted everyday. You can't bring words to a gun fight, plain and simple! However, after reading some of your comments I wish you would!! Damn ingrates!! No one is perfect in this country and we will never find a president who does everything right. They all have huge faults, because they are human just like you and me.
 -- Anonymous		 
Wilson in London.... Think what you like, but make sure you do in London. Stay the hell OUT of this country!!
 -- JR, Southaven, MS....USA		 
 -- Anonymous 
to HDTVJunkie, Fullerton, CA, EXACTLY, Couldn't have said it better myself . COME ON AMERICA, WAKE UP, TAKE BACK YOUR COUNTRY
 -- John, USA		 
God save this Republic, I am certain that there are no politicians who have any intention of doing so. Do you smell the aroma of discontent, I wonder if that is the same smell that the Founding Fathers smelled?
 -- VpatS, Orlando		 
 -- Corie, Moses Lake 
-- Big D, Tucson AZ. wrote: "shut the fuck up " Isn't freedom of speech one of the things our military is fighting for? I guess you disagree with the Jefferson quote on this very page, and the intentions of our founding fathers. If you want everyone to stop criticizing the government, you'll be better off moving to Pakistan where you can live with a dictator like Musharraf who imprisons those who disagree with his policies. The rest of us will continue with the intent of the founders to love our country AND to speak up and do something when we see things going wrong.
 -- TS, Phoenix		 
I think it's time to take out country back!!!!!!!
 -- TW, Seattle		 
 -- Big E, Arkansas 
-Big D, while I support our troops, I do not support this war. While I do support laws that protect my rights, I do not support the patriot act. I have the right to privacy. I will not tell you to "shut the fuck up" because I believe myself to be a true patriot, an upholder of the Declaration of Rights, the Constitution, and all of the Amendments granted to me by our fore fathers. I do not feel my rights are being threatened by terrorists -we have made our point to them, we are a super power and they will never win, only a super power can stand against a super power- I do not feel my rights are being taken away from a foreign party. Therefore I do not feel that this war is protecting my rights. As for the patriot act, if it is such a "patriot" act and if you claim that those who speak out against the government such as myself are degenerates, take into consideration the words of a man who helped give you your liberties: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."-Benjamin Franklin, PA, Declaration signer. We must always remember that our rights are first and foremost threatened by the ones we elect into office. As a final statement, the tyrants are those that strip us of our rights and liberties by misleading us. The patriots are those that would be willing to die and fight to worlds end for those rights and liberties. Good night to you all.
 -- Thomas, Colorado		 
Wow there is a lot of hostility surrounding the liberty tree. It seems as if everyone is mad at the government or its constituents for one reason or another. the fact is in the modern day political scheme, you all are thinking the way of your political party. the democrats says this is bad, so do I, or George Bush says go to War...fuck it Im in! Just take a minute and think for yourselves and do away with all the cliche sayings of your particular party. And Remember, brilliant people's quotes deserve legitimacy, however, they are not facts. they are not the end all and be all.
 -- Geoff, Jersey		 
We today assume "He couldn't possibly have been serious!" But he was. And he was right.
 -- The China Desk, Taipei		 
Read H.R. 1955
 -- Anonymous		 
the American public needs to wake up, freedom comes at a cost. like it or not the mtv generations are going to be the downfall of wester civilization. the youth of today would rather waste their lives in bars and bong circles while a select few pay the ultimate sacrifice. we should look at history "the greatest generation" how many millions of Americans stood up for a cause in 1940's compared to todays generation, where they are in college living off their parents chasing tail at parties every night. we have all lost site of what it means to serve our country. even those in Washington!
 -- vlad tepes, wallachia		 
A wonderful quote, this is one of the single greatest things that the founding fathers ever said. They realized that nothing will be kept perfect, and that people must look their government in the face from time to time and say "we aren't going to put up with this any more." I wish more people in America could see this quote, and truly grasp what it means. I <3 freedom.
 -- Patriot, Kansas		 
This is a great quote, and yes, I do believe Jefferson was speaking of taking up arms. Someone earlier mentioned that "term limits would go a long way". This is something I hear all the time and it really pisses me off. The only way we are going to get term limits is if congress votes for them, and that is a highly unlikely scenario. But there is another solution, and it would not require shedding blood. ALL YOU JACKASSES THAT ALWAYS BITCH ABOUT CONGRESS WITH IT'S 7% APPROVAL RATING, BUT ALWAYS VOTE YOUR SENATOR OR CONGRESSMAN BACK INTO OFFICE, STOP DOING IT. AS VOTERS WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO IMPOSE TERM LIMITS BY ALWAYS VOTING OUT THE INCUMBENT! Forget the partisan politics, make the house and the senate revolving doors, just like corporate America treats it's employees. The private sector has no job security, so why should the public?
 -- Anonymous, Dallas, TX		 
We should really be looking at history and comparing it with current government rhetoric and propaganda. Our democracy is fading because Americans have gotten lazy - or just scared. People are recognizing that our liberties are being eroded but they just accept it. Colleagues have said to me before gong to a demonstration, "Don't get arrested." Why is demonstrating, exercising rights given to me by the first amendment an arrestable offense? Because we have a closing democracy, rather than a functioning one. I recommend a book by Naomi Wolf called "The End of America"; its terrifyingly inspiring.
 -- h, ct		 
Thomas Jefferson and the rest of the Founding Fathers were they alive in this day and age would take up arms against this government, not based on the current administration, but rather based on the fact that our rights and liberties are being taken out from under our very noses...and we are doing NOTHING to stop it. To all you armchair soldiers out there, I say put down your remote controls and your video games and take up REAL arms against tyranny...and let's take back our fucking country.
 -- Iceman, Ohio		 
Thomas Jefferson was spot on! People today are way too dumbed down to realize what the government is slowly doing to our liberties. The government is taking advantage of all the entertainment (movies, books, TV, etc.) people are so blinded by. People are awake, yet asleep in their minds. They see, yet they're blind. Americans serious DO need to wake up, before it's too late. I leave you with more words of wisdom, but spoken of more than 2500 years ago: "The prudent foresee danger and take precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." - Proverbs 22:3 And another more recent: "Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves, therefore, are its only safe depositories. And to render even them safe, their minds must be improved to a certain degree." - Thomas Jefferson
 -- Stephen C., Virginia, U.S.A.		 
 -- Anonymous 
it's wack
 -- jj, reno		 
If anyone disagrees with this quote by jefferson, I'd be happy do get together with you and discuss it civilly, after I cut your fucking throat. Of course, I only mean that rhetorically. More or less rhetorically.
 -- fucked, oppression, usa		 
The 'Tree of Liberty' seems to have wasted away by years of apathy and ingratitude. Truly, Jefferson rolls in his grave because of the actions of both government and the people in this day and age.
 -- John, Columbia		 
The 'Tree of Liberty' seems to have wasted away by years of apathy and ingratitude. Truly, Jefferson rolls in his grave because of the actions of both government and the people in this day and age.
 -- John, Columbia, fucking throat, usa		 
this is a very intresting statement! i do agree!
 -- angie s., summerville, south carolina		 
It is profound that Jefferson places "the blood of patriots" before "tyrants" It is a message that shouts- LET THE READER BEWARE that liberty is not gained without loss.
 -- Moses Mix, Central California		 
Even the best devised government will deteriorate into tyranny unless the people they govern hold a big stick over their head.That's why the founders insisted the whole of the people be armed. (2nd Amendment), and that we should be aware of when our liberties are being trampled on. He is saying the people should let the government know they will not tolerate their liberty being stolen and trampled on.To the point of violence, if necessary. If this is consistently done, then freedom is maintained. Jefferson correctly predicted that the people would become too ignorant to realize what was happening, but I don't think even he could imagine how far it's actually progressed. It has now come to the point that there is almost nothing we can do, without permission from the government in one way or another. I have come to the conclusion that some or even most people actually like it that way. Read the posts here for example.
 -- Dennis, Oxford, MS		 
To Saul, Aztlan, Anahuac: Actually, if you read about Jefferson, you'd probably find out that he would have supported the natives. He owned slaves but was repulsed by slavery. He pondered anarchism in the US as much as he pondered the republic. A conflicted man to say the least.
 -- Quinn, Littleton MA		 
Jefferson was discussing the French Revolution but his statement is true. Freedom isn't free, it is paid in blood.
 -- bob, dallas		 
Too true.
 -- Anonymous		 
Absolutly, and those comments posted herein by any who are not American Citizens, screw em. This is our land and our right, its time to take back. The government should be warned.
 -- Steven Jones, Vancouver		 
To all neo-conservitives fools. You are the loyal scum that worship King (who supposes himself as commander in chief of everything) and aristocratic countrymen who have brought this land low. This land has no place for you, and God willing, and I pray that the day comes soon, when my fellows and I will make use of you and your masters corpse as a water can for liberty's tree. Rebellious Stripes Forever!
 -- ew keane, michigan city indiana		 
to all the supporters of Big D, you say talk is cheap. Have you noticed that you live in a country where people die everyday to defend just that. No talk is not cheap it comes at a price. Our country is based on ideas provided by the founding fathers and if we do not defend those rights we are allowing people to die in vain everyday. As for bringing words to a gun fight. A day will come when I will bring words to fight for my country not my tyrant, but I will also be bringing a gun
 -- patriot, Ohio		 
We are not far away from our country's next great revolution. It will be a domestic affair in which the wealthy elitists try to divert our attention from them--our true enemies--to ourselves. They will tell us it is black vs. white, immigrants vs. native citizens, or muslim vs. christian. The tyrants, whose blood must be shed in the next revolution, are the wealthy elitists. They are the ones, who wage war on our behalf, stage false flag terrorist attacks to rob us of our civil liberties, increase the size of our federal government (and in doing so increase our dependence on it), cause carefully calculated economic problems(like the current housing crisis), increase the monetary supply (which decreases the value of the dollar), and open our borders to Mexico (so they can have cheap labor to work in their factories). Wake up! Our government is controlled by the wealthy elite and their agenda is to enslave us with debt. It is time for a REVOLUTION!
 -- Jaret, Orlando		 
you speak of a horror not a change. In the French revolution they began killing the weathly because of their wealth not their crimes. In Germany they killed Jews because their religion. We must not stoop to the level of uneducated radicals mass murdering all those who are different. We are a country of acceptance though the divide between rich and poor must be changed we cannot eradicate those who are different.
 -- patriot, Ohio		 
i like what i'm reading. its like a presidential debate on hbo. but why does everyone have to be a telephone toughguy. not many of you would actually say this to the other persons face. i think we all need to turn off the tv and make our communities a little better. (the tree of liberty is surrounded by grass roots)
 -- someguy, somewhere		 
Its not so much that we are being tough guys, but it is that this passage evokes strong emotions so people who are opinionated come off a little strong. I do see what you are saying but realize that some of the stuff being said is not completly literal.
 -- patriot, Ohio		 
First, to Big D and those like him: You are the greatest enemies of our nation. This Nation was founded on the hope that the people would always question the government. But more, that people would always question each other. The people should give up no power unless it is proved beyond a reasonable doubt absolutely necessary. The people should never accept the word of the government, nor the media, nor each other without a healthy does of skepticism. Men like Big D are the pawns of tyrants. May the day come soon when I am called to take up my gun, and leave the comforts of home behind, to deliver our great nation from the hands of the likes of him. For such is the noblest of causes, and if one is to die, let it be in service to liberty and humanity.
 -- Matthew, Maryland		 
Crazy little coincidence from this passage: Every twenty years since 1840 a president has been elected into office, and that president has either died in office or has been assassinated while president. Not to jump to conclusions, but this is exactly what TJ is saying in the quote. The only exceptions to this dying theory are Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, who both survived assassination attempts. 1840-William Henry Harrison (died in Office) 1860- Abraham Lincoln (Assassinated) 1880- James A. Garfield (assassinated) 1900- William McKinley (Assassinated) 1920- Warren G. Harding (Died in Office) 1940- Franklin D. Roosevelt (Died in Office) 1960- John F. Kennedy (Assassinated) 1980- Ronald Reagan (Survived Assassination) 2000- George W. Bush (Survived Assassination) 2020-???
 -- Drew, Ohio		 
I'm sorry but I fail to see any connection between death of presidents and revolution
 -- patriot, Ohio		 
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