"I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be
that men may be trusted to govern themselves without a master."
by:
Thomas Jefferson
(1743-1826), US Founding Father, drafted the Declaration of Independence, 3rd US President
Source:
Letter to David Hartley; 1787
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Reader comments about this quote:
The experiment was phenomenal for a moment but alas, in practical application, it exists no more. Such experiment though, is alive and well in the hearts of what seems to be a growing number of individuals. It is my hope, that it returns.
 -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    A plea to the future 11 years after the D.O. I in 1787 during the year the Constitution becomes ratified? No, not a plea, but a positive statement with a staunch faith in Americans of the time will continue to do what it takes to keep americans free. Let's not let our forefathers down.
     -- Anon     
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    Conversely, Jefferson's arch rival, Alexander Hamilton, set out to enslave Americans through central banking and currency manipulation. And unfortunately it is Hamilton's America that we have inherited. Time to get back to Jeffersonian basics.
     -- J Carlton, Calgary     
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    And now we have liberal jackasses like Pelosi and Reed running the country .
     -- jim k, Austin, Tx     
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    ...Or ruining the country.
     -- jim k, Austin, Tx     
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    Jefferson and Anon above were and our men of faith and optimism. America has remained a people and a government without a master for these 230 years or so. It continues to struggle and always will to prevent masters taking over in many different spheres. The latest of course being the financial masters of wall street. While we continue to be of, by and for the people there is hope for continued faith and otimism. The stock market is certainly proving it llately.
     -- Waffler, Smith     
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    Wishful thinking... We are to ignorant not to have masters.
     -- RBESRQ     
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    Waffler, yes I do have faith and optimism but wall street is not the only place Americans need to cleanup as well. For instance, the left and right sides of both political parties who, like the wall street yes men are just doing what the real bosses of politics and commerce are the elite of the banking industry. Through their power over money and the production of it they are the real enemy of America. Thanks for the compliment Waffler, it's not often I get one from you.
     -- Anon     
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    Good Anon lets all keep our chins up and fight the good fight of faith, in each other, our political system,and avoid negativism and keep open minds.
     -- Waffler, Smith     
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    Experiment of administering this doctrine of liberty and freedom.Where might this be written down ? Some twentyfive hundred or so years ago. Freedom from what?But moreover to understand the fundimentals of this doctrine the knowledge must be put forth in simple terms for the public to understand. It is evident that the separation of church and state are based in sound principles, old law new law. The old law brought and does bring death to a nation, the new law of freedom was reconized at its source and when a readiness of mind was achived by the people to recieve it by faith they fought back willing to shed there blood in like manner as the source of this freedom being made freemen by the act of faith in this doctrine and finished new law.The freedom to be able to speak openly of grace, mercy, faith and sound judgement educating the people has always been fought against in this country by the greedy of gain over there fellow man. The law of natural coexsistance and unnatural exsistance with man and nature are in the balance of judgement.I am a wayfaring man and a builder and do know that judgement is laid to the line and righteousness ( the act of being right ) to the plummet. The tools so displayed in this country and knowing the source of the ruler and divider,scaffold, weavers beam and knowing the eye which guides me and this doctrine of liberty and freedom I hope to strike a cord among those that judge and are in athority to cast out, resend, do away with, pull down that which enslaves our people and robs us of freedom thru supply and demand of food clothing and shelter at to high a price. If the people are poor the nation is poor.Regardless of what wall street says. I will say this once. Our foundation is the poorest of our people, if we can see to there needs the building will not fall, as it is now doing.There is no law against that which is good and right, if there is strike it down quickly as a better man will do. Remove by force if needs be.
     -- R. Pittman, Salem OR     
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    It would appear that on this point Jefferson was wrong. Some men will always crave a Master. Woe to those who would be willing property of the State.
     -- Justin, Elkland     
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    "That love of order and obedience to the laws, which so remarkably characterize the citizens of the United States, are sure pledges of internal tranquility; and the elective granchise, if guarded as the ark of our safety, will peaceably dissipate all combinations to subvert a Constitution, dictated by the wisdom, and resting on the will of the people." Thomas Jefferson, 1801
     -- Elisabeth, Astoria, NY     
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    Good stuff Elizabeth. We have drifted a little what with illegal this and illegal that winked at here and there.
     -- Waffler, Smith     
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    MAGA, enlightened leadership at the helm, returns, Make America Great Again. .
     -- Ronw13, OR     
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    If only that were the sentiment today. We've come a long way, baby. It should be unlawful to willingly make yourself a slave.
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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     -- Mary, MI      
     
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