Category Archives: First Principles

First Principles: The Way to Modify Government Is Through Amendment

Posted on December 7, 2017 by alohapromisesforever

“If in the opinion of the people the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change … Continue reading →

Posted in First Principles | Tagged Constitution, Constitutional Powers, Desttruction, Farewell Address, First Principles, George Washington, Modification, The People, Usurpation | 1 Comment

First Principles: Security and Private Property Rest On A Just Court

Posted on December 6, 2017 by alohapromisesforever

“Personal security and private property rest entirely upon the wisdom, the stability, and the integrity of the courts of justice.” —Joseph Story (1833)

Posted in First Principles | Tagged Courts, First Principles, Integrity, Joseph Story, Justice, Personal Security, Private Property, Stability, Wisdom | Leave a comment

First Principles: Excessive Taxes Reduce Consumption Which Reduces Taxes

Posted on December 5, 2017 by alohapromisesforever

“If duties are too high, they lessen the consumption; the collection is eluded; and the product to the treasury is not so great as when they are confined within proper and moderate bounds. This forms a complete barrier against any … Continue reading →

Posted in First Principles | Tagged Alexander Hamilton, Collection, Constitution, Economy, Growth, Increased Revenue, John F Kennedy, Moderation, Reduced Consumption, Revenue, Rising Tide, Tax | 1 Comment

First Principles: Preventing Crimes Is the Aim of Jurisprudence

Posted on December 4, 2017 by alohapromisesforever

“To prevent crimes, is the noblest end and aim of criminal jurisprudence. To punish them, is one of the means necessary for the accomplishment of this noble end and aim.” — James Wilson Such a simple proposition really. Looking at … Continue reading →

Posted in First Principles | Tagged Crime, Crime Preventation, Criminal Jurisprudence, First Principles, Means, Noble, Punishment | Leave a comment

First Principles: Where There Is No Law, There Is No Liberty

Posted on December 3, 2017 by alohapromisesforever

“Where there is no law, there is no liberty; and nothing deserves the name of law but that which is certain and universal in its operation upon all the members of the community.” — Benjamin Rush, letter to David Ramsay, … Continue reading →

Posted in First Principles | Tagged Benjamin Rush, Community, Justice, Law, Liberty, Reasonable Man Standard, Universal | Leave a comment

First Principles: Don’t Give Up Essential Liberty For Temporary Safety

Posted on December 2, 2017 by alohapromisesforever

“They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” — Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1795

Posted in First Principles | Tagged Balance, Benjamin Franklin, Citizens, Essential Liberty, First Principles, History, Pennsylvania, Prudence, Temporary Safety, The People | Leave a comment

First Principles: Seek Truth Steadily

Posted on December 1, 2017 by alohapromisesforever

“There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily.” — George Washington

Posted in First Principles | Tagged Course, First Principles, George Washington, Pursuit, Seek, Steady, Straight, Truth | Leave a comment

First Principles: The Eyes of the World Cause the US To Be A Better Nation

Posted on November 30, 2017 by alohapromisesforever

“The eyes of the world being thus on our Country, it is put the more on its good behavior, and under the greater obligation also, to do justice to the Tree of Liberty by an exhibition of the fine fruits … Continue reading →

Posted in First Principles | Tagged Examination, Example, Eyes, First Principles, Good Behavior, James Madison, Justice, Obligation, Tree of Liberty | Leave a comment

First Principles: Licentiousness In Spreading False News Is Abusive

Posted on November 29, 2017 by alohapromisesforever

“During the course of administration, and in order to disturb it, the artillery of the press has been leveled against us, charged with whatsoever its licentiousness could devise or dare. These abuses of an institution so important to freedom and … Continue reading →

Posted in First Principles | Tagged Abuse of Free Speech, Disruptive, Fake News, Falsity, First Principles, Gossip, Licentiousness, Media Attacks, Regret, Thomas Jefferson | Leave a comment

First Principles: Government Acts Not Enabled By the Constitution Are Illegal

Posted on November 28, 2017 by alohapromisesforever

“[S]hould Congress, under the pretext of executing its powers, pass laws for the accomplishment of objects not entrusted to the government, such [acts are] not the law of the land.” –John Marshall, McCulloch v. Maryland, 1819 Back in the day, … Continue reading →

Posted in First Principles | Tagged Congress, Constitution, Executive, First Principles, Government, John Marshall, McCulloch v Maryland, Powers, Precedent, Stare Decisis | 1 Comment