"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
-- Thomas Jefferson
Many have heard these lines, but I do not think understand what they entail. I have directed the link for the quote to go to the complete letter written by Mr. Jefferson. Take a minute and read it. It's not very long.
One of the greatest men in American history is proclaiming the need for rebellion and revolution, not once or twice in the history of a country, but every generation! Why such a dramatic call to revolution? Mr. Jefferson understood that government unchecked will become corrupt, and the need for the government to fear the people, or that people would fear their government.
The Constitution set about creating a way for the population to let their displeasure with the actions of the government be known, by peaceful assembly and the right to voice their protest. The only problem is when the government turns a deaf ear to the pleas of the People. What shall be the course for the People to take, when their wishes and desires are not listened to and acted upon.
One final note: Mr. Jefferson brought up the subject of South America. How aptly he predicted the future:
If the Government is allowing our voices to be heard, and so many are against it's actions, why are we being ignored? Or more importantly, if our voices are being ignored, what other options are we left?
One of the greatest men in American history is proclaiming the need for rebellion and revolution, not once or twice in the history of a country, but every generation! Why such a dramatic call to revolution? Mr. Jefferson understood that government unchecked will become corrupt, and the need for the government to fear the people, or that people would fear their government.
The Constitution set about creating a way for the population to let their displeasure with the actions of the government be known, by peaceful assembly and the right to voice their protest. The only problem is when the government turns a deaf ear to the pleas of the People. What shall be the course for the People to take, when their wishes and desires are not listened to and acted upon.
One final note: Mr. Jefferson brought up the subject of South America. How aptly he predicted the future:
"I know that there are combustible materials there, and that they wait the torch only. But this country probably will join the extinguishers."
If the Government is allowing our voices to be heard, and so many are against it's actions, why are we being ignored? Or more importantly, if our voices are being ignored, what other options are we left?
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