Category Archives: First Principles

First Principles: Our Obligation To America Ends At Our Death

“Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives.” —John Adams (1808) Forever faithful to this principle, I proudly continue to serve my country even in a civilian status.  This is the way of patriots.  This is my … Continue reading

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First Principles: The Constitution’s Meaning Is A Matter of Plain Meaning

“On every question of construction carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text or invented against it, … Continue reading

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First Principles: Tyranny Over Man’s Mind Is Unacceptable

“I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.” – Thomas Jefferson (1800)      

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First Principles: Laws Are Made For Men of Ordinary Understanding

“Laws are made for men of ordinary understanding and should, therefore, be construed by the ordinary rules of common sense. Their meaning is not to be sought for in metaphysical subtleties which may make anything mean everything or nothing at … Continue reading

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First Principles: The Same Prudence Should Be Practiced In the Spending of Private and Public Funds

“The same prudence which in private life would forbid our paying our own money for unexplained projects, forbids it in the dispensation of the public moneys.”  – Thomas Jefferson (1808)          

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First Principles: The People Must Be Vigilant of Their Rights At All Times

“For it is a truth which the experience of all ages has attested, that the people are always most in danger, when the means of injuring their rights are in the possession of those of whom they entertain the least … Continue reading

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First Principles: Speeches Should Be Given For Reason Not Word Count

“Here comes the orator! With his flood of words, and his drop of reason.” –  Benjamin Franklin (1735) Just ask Nancy Pelosi.. or anyone forced to listen that eight hours of nothing….    

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First Principles: The Foundations of National Morality Rests In the Family

“The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families. … In vain are Schools, Academies, and Universities instituted, if loose principles and licentious habits are impressed upon children in their earliest years. … The vices and examples of … Continue reading

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First Principles: Love of Power Is Natural and Often Abused

“A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is natural to abuse it, when acquired.” – Alexander Hamilton (1775)      

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First Principles: A Reputation For Weakness Gains Hostility Among Nations, Not Peace

“There is a rank due to the United States, among nations, which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire … Continue reading

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