Indeed nations, in general, are not apt to think until they feel; and therefore nations in general have lost their liberty. For violations of the rights of the governed, are commonly not only specious,* but small at the beginning, they spread over the multitude in such a manner, as to touch individuals but slightly.** Thus they are disregarded. The power or profit that arises from these violations, centering in few persons, is to them considerable. For this reason the governors having in view their particular purposes, successfully preserves a uniformity of conduct for attaining them. They regularly increase the first injuries, till at length the inattentive people are compelled to perceive the heaviness of their burdens. They begin to complain and inquire-but too late. They find their oppressors so strengthened by success, and themselves so entangled in examples of express authority on the part of their rulers, and of tacit recognition on their own part, that they are quite confounded. For millions entertain no other idea of the legality of power, than that it is founded on the exercise of power. They voluntarily fasten their chains, by adopting a pusillanimous opinion, 'that there will be too much danger in attempting a remedy'-or another opinion no less fatal-'that the government has a right to treat them as it does.' They then seek a wretched relief for their minds, by persuading themselves, that to yield their obedience, is to discharge their duty. The deplorable poverty of spirit, that prostrates all the dignity bestowed by divine providence on our nature---of course succeeds. Letter XI, pg. 71, 72
*Omnia mala exempla ex bonis initiis orta sunt. (Sallust. Bell. Cat. S. 50) ** "The republic is always attacked with greater vigor, than it is defended: For the audacious and profligate, prompted by their natural enmity to it, are easily impelled to act by the least nod of their leaders: Whereas the honest, I know not why, are generally slow and unwilling to stir; and neglecting always the beginnings of things, are never roused to exert themselves, but by the last necessity: So that through irresolution and delay, when they would be gland to compound at last for the quiet, at the expense eve of their honor, they commonly lose them both." (Ciceros's Orat. For Sextius)-- Such were the sentiments of this great and excellent man, whose vast abilities, and the calamities of his country during this time enabled him, by mournful experience, to form a just judgment on the conduce of friends and enemies of liberty. pg. 71
Source: Letter from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, by John Dickinson as printed in Empire and Nation, ISBN 0-86597-203-6
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John/az
"Just because something is popular, does not make it right."
www.countdown9199.com
*Omnia mala exempla ex bonis initiis orta sunt. (Sallust. Bell. Cat. S. 50) ** "The republic is always attacked with greater vigor, than it is defended: For the audacious and profligate, prompted by their natural enmity to it, are easily impelled to act by the least nod of their leaders: Whereas the honest, I know not why, are generally slow and unwilling to stir; and neglecting always the beginnings of things, are never roused to exert themselves, but by the last necessity: So that through irresolution and delay, when they would be gland to compound at last for the quiet, at the expense eve of their honor, they commonly lose them both." (Ciceros's Orat. For Sextius)-- Such were the sentiments of this great and excellent man, whose vast abilities, and the calamities of his country during this time enabled him, by mournful experience, to form a just judgment on the conduce of friends and enemies of liberty. pg. 71
Source: Letter from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, by John Dickinson as printed in Empire and Nation, ISBN 0-86597-203-6
------------------
John/az
"Just because something is popular, does not make it right."
www.countdown9199.com