James Madison

U.S. President
(1751-1836)

Democracy is the most vile form of government... democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention: have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property: and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths. {This is why the nation was started as a Republic! NOT a democracy.}

Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government. {Take heed liberals.....}

I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. {The frog in a pan of water syndrome.}

Learned Institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people. They throw that light over the public mind which is the best security against crafty and dangerous encroachments on the public liberty. {Which is why the "dumbing" down of America in her public schools WAS necessary.}

It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad. {CAN WE SAY "PATRIOT ACT"????????????}

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