"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.
As nations become corrupt and vicious,
they have more need of masters."
by:
Benjamin Franklin
(1706-1790) US Founding Father
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This is such a true quote. Very similar to John Adams' quote on the Constitution being "wholly inadequate" for the government of an immoral and non-religious people.
 -- Chris Gould, Bentonville, AR     
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    Chris Gould, I couldn't agree more. So simple and clear. And yet, here we are in 2008, being governed by a great deal of immoral and non religious people. We must act.
     -- Nancy, Marion, OH     
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    Absolutely.
     -- Logan, Memphis, TN     
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    The Union of Socialist Amerika, with its ruling statist theocracy proves absolute Franklin's statement.
     -- MIke, Norwalk     
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     -- Rick B, PCB FL      
    In a moral society virtue is taught in homes and schools. Now with Mom out in the workforce just to pay the bills we have to rely on the public school system...and they're teaching communism. A morally bankrupt system that needs an overhaul.
     -- J Carlton, Calgary     
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    It is amazing of the seemingly foresight of our founding fathers...a truly wise generation. Where is such wisdom these days?
     -- Brad, Diana, TX     
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    Truth of wisdom always has it's source. Rghteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. When the vilest of men rule the people suffer. The result of righteousness is peace and quiet.Our founding fathers trusting upon our rock upon which the republic rest, put in written form this wisdom, a document declaring freedom and liberty for the children of this nation without oppression. To be revered as ordained by God the creator of all things.It is a very, very gracious document our declaration of independance. and bill of rights declaring righteousness in Gods eyes and to all mankind for an exsample to other nations. The pollution of greed and unfaithful men holding office going about to make our lives easyer and more secure have enslaved the nation.To correct the problem see the source of wisdom our rock.As much as lieth in you live at peace with all men. The old 66 our rock !
     -- R. Pittman, Salem OR     
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    The U.S. Congress, both houses, is at least 95% corrupt and why on earth do we keep reelecting this motly crew.We, the voters, must share the blame for this state of affairs as long as we keep voting for the likes of Pelosi, Reed , Franks, and the rest.
     -- jim k, Austin     
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    Only virtuous have no need for law and order. Self-discipline is the road to freedom. BF is right on: its the dishonest, egotistical, greedy, un-compassionate, intolerant, and selfish, that need laws and therefore masters.
     -- RBESRQ     
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    The quote is spot on, but what happens when the "masters" are corrupt and vicious? The present congress and administration are the epitome of both. A Virtuous People must take their country back, but like Satan the masters of corruption will fight back mightily in the most devious ways. We will prevail only if we ask for our God's protection and deliverance.
     -- Carol, Georgia     
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    Having directed the largest mission working behind the Iron Curtain for 12 years, and numbering many who suffered for their for their faith as my dearest friends I can attest to the truth and the veracity of this quote. How sad it is that today my beloved homeland is controlled by vicious money hungry communists who, left unchecked, will destroy America. At the same time our EWF missionaries are reporting spiritual revival all over the former East bloc. Will Americans ever wake up to reality or must we have missionaries from the former communist countries come here to bring us back to God?
     -- Dr. Dale Smith, Auburn, CA     
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    Wow! Bingo!
     -- Elisabeth, Astoria, NY     
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    Dr. Dale, I hope Americans wake up first; you need to post more often.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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     -- Abigail Adams, hb      
    In 2009, Senator Coburn (OK) and Representatives Flake (AZ) and Paul (TX)are the only people in congress that voted in support of the US Constitution and your liberty 100% of the time. Let that sink in...as we have HOW MANY elected officials representing us in DC? This is from The Freedom Index published 12-7-2009.
     -- Bette, Newport     
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    Dr.Dale and Mike - you must have your heads in the sand. America is the most religious of all western nations and turning fast into the same megalomaniac version as fundamentalist Muslims. The last thing we need is to get back to a mythical sky fairy - it has nothing but misery in its wake.
     -- RBESRQ     
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    I am sorry for you to have that hole in your heart when wholeness is so much more comforting. And I will defend your right to believe anything you wish...for we are blessed with a 1st Amendment.
     -- aa, hb     
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    It seems attaining virtue without a spiritual foundation is impossible. If death is it, gone, vanished. Then the only way one lives on is in history books. Unloading a 100 round clip in a theater will accomplish that. If you are not timeless logic could tell you your time is nothing in the scope of physical time so extending your nano second by 50% ain't much. If I am that little it is easy to project that on others. Taking them with no value for their purpose or plan. We are here to learn something to take with us. Something about kindness, compassion and being one.
     -- CheapTick, St Paul     
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    The firearm is the master of the vicious and the corrupt. They know of no other real authority, save for God on Sundays, but not every Sunday. The firearm is their master every Goddamn day.
     -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown     
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