The Result of Lost Public Virtue

"When public virtue is gone, when the national spirit is fled...the republic is lost in essence, though it my still exist in form." ~John Adams

Qualities of Republicanism

"As there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust; So there are other qualities in human nature, which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence. Republican government presupposes the existence of these qualities in a higher degree than any other form. Where the pictures which have been drawn by the political jealousy of some among us, faithful likenesses of the human character, the inference would be that there is not sufficient virtue among men for self-government; and that nothing less than the chains of despotism can restrain them from destroying and devouring one another." ~James Madison; Federalist Papers

Securing Liberty

"Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks--no form of government can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people is a chimerical idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men. So that we do not depend on their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them." ~James Madison

A Recipe for Strength

"Virtue, morality and religion. This is the armour my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible. These are the tactics we should study; if we lose these, we are conquered; fallen indeed. So long as our manners and principles remain sound, there is no danger." ~Patrick Henry

A Model

"No government can continue good, but under the control of the people. Their minds are to be informed by education of what is right and what is wrong; to be encouraged in habits of virtue and to be deferred from those of vice." ~Thomas Jefferson

One Life

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." ~Nathan Hale; September 22, 1776

Only a Virtuous People

"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." ~Benjamin Franklin

Human Rights

"Human rights can only be assured among a virtuous people. The general government...can never be in danger of degenerating into a monarchy, an oligarchy, an aristocracy or any other despotic or oppressive form, so long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people." ~George Washington

Up and Running...Mostly

I apologize that I've dropped the ball here; we had a death in the family and I just haven't had the gumption to get moving and search for wonderful quotes; I've found a few recently, and I'm going to try to get back up to where I have this on auto-pilot again. Thanks for sticking with us. Jeannetta

In Memoriam

"To the memory of the Man, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of hi countrymen."

Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee
Eulogy for George Washington December 1799