Lesson 2 - Getting to know the mind of Thomas Jefferson

Today I want to share some of the thoughts which Thomas Jefferson had regarding the Constitution and how he believed we should be governed as a Nation.



Quotes from Thomas Jefferson:

• "In questions of power, then, let no man more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution."

• "To preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt."
  I am for a government rigorously frugal and simple."
  
       Read this one over a few times and think about what is happening today, in our National governing bodies and in the States' legislatures.
• "All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."
  
       I am certain that now more than ever, people who have been afraid to speak freely, what they believe is right and good for this great nation, should stand up and be heard... even if they risk loosing friends or fear rifts between family.  It is our obligation to ourselves and this country to be heard.
• "Say... whether peace is best preserved by our giving energy to the government, or information to the people.  This last is the most certain and most legitimate engine of government.  Educate and inform the whole mass of the people.  Enable them to see that it is in their interest to preserve peace and order, and they will preserve them.  And it requires no very high degree of education to convince them of this.  They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." 
        I have to ask, what would those who want to do the opposite do?... Might they take action to weaken the quality of the educational system... you have to ask yourself what the motives are behind it all.
• "The good sense of the people will always be found to be the best army.  They may be led astray for a moment, but will soon correct themselves."

When reflecting on the Constitution, I believe you need to more fully understand what the creators held dear to their hearts and what they envisioned that most sacred document would yield for our Nation, for those generations who would follow.

Nothing is gained by talking all of the time, but by reading and listening and educating yourself about all sides of an issue.  Then you will be armed with truth and better able to form your own opinions upon that issue.  I encourage everyone to search for the truth and then decide for themselves.

Rain