The Federalist: Founders' Daily Quote 8/05/2005

Monday, July 25, 2005
"I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power."
-- Thomas Jefferson (letter to William Charles Jarvis, 28; September 1820) Reference: The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Memorial Edition, Lipscomb and Bergh, eds., vol. 15 (278)

If only we had an informed Congress!

Tuesday, July 26, 2005
"The consciousness of having discharged that duty which we owe to our country is superior to all other considerations."-- George Washington (letter to James Madison, 2 March 1788)

Is he referring to Military Service? Anyone?

Wednesday, July 27, 2005
"It already appears, that there must be in every society of men superiors and inferiors, because God has laid in the constitution and course of nature the foundations of the distinction." -- John Adams (Thoughts on Government, 1776) Reference: The Works of John Adams, Charles Adams, ed., 427.

What is he referring to, anyone? Could it be the rich and the poor? Maybe the wise and unwise? Slaves and free men? Whatever is he talking about?

Thursday, July 28, 2005
"The injury which may possibly be done by defeating a few good laws, will be amply compensated by the advantage of preventing a number of bad ones." -- Alexander Hamilton (Federalist No. 73, on the Veto Power, 21 March 1788) Reference: The Federalist

Ooh! I understand this one for these times! Vetoing a good bill because everyone in Congress has their own hand in the till!

For Friday's quote, please see here. Have a good weekend everyone!