Tag Archives: Thomas Jefferson

First Principles: Liberty Is Rightfully Constrained By the Rights of Others

“… (R)ightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our own will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add ‘within the limits of the law,’ because law is often but the tyrant’s will, … Continue reading

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First Principles: The Federal Government Must Not Interfere With Religion

“I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises. This results not only from the provision that no law shall be made respecting the establishment or … Continue reading

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First Principles: Constitutional Interpretation Is Dependent On Original Intent

“On every question of construction [of the Constitution], let us 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 … Continue reading

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First Principles: The Happiest Moments Come From Family

“…(T)he happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have past at home in the bosom of my family. “ – Thomas Jefferson, Letter to Francis Willis, April 18, 1790    

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First Principles: On the Importance of Accountability

“[M]an is not made to be trusted for life, if secured against all liability to account.” – Thomas Jefferson (1823)      

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First Principles: Abuse of the Press Cheapens Its Usefulness

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

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First Principles: Action On Issues Creates Enemies

“Men of energy of character must have enemies; because there are two sides to every question, and taking one with decision, and acting on it with effect, those who take the other will of course be hostile in proportion as … Continue reading

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First Principles: Religious Liberty

Yesterday was the National Day of Prayer.  Because of this I took a little time off to do just that.  There can be no more worthy a pursuit than to pray and meditate on the state of the United States … Continue reading

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First Principles: Interests Are Inseparable From Moral Duties

“We are firmly convinced, and we act on that conviction, that with nations as with individuals our interests soundly calculated will ever be found inseparable from our moral duties, and history bears witness to the fact that a just nation … Continue reading

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First Principles: What Makes for Great Speech

“I should consider the speeches of Livy, Sallust, and Tacitus, as preeminent specimens of logic, taste and that sententious brevity which, using not a word to spare, leaves not a moment for inattention to the hearer. Amplification is the vice … Continue reading

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