April 13, 1743 - July 4, 1826
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."~Thomas Jefferson
"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."~Thomas Jefferson
The arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties being with one mind resolved to die free rather than live slaves. --Thomas Jefferson, 1775
James Monroe
April 28, 1758 - July 4, 1831
"In this great nation there is but one order, that of the people, whose power, by a peculiarly happy improvement of the representative principle, is transferred from them, without impairing in the slightest degree their sovereignty, to bodies of their own creation, and to persons elected by themselves, in the full extent necessary for the purposes of free, enlightened, and efficient government." ~James Monroe
"It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty. Usurpation is then an easy attainment, and an usurper soon found. The people themselves become the willing instruments of their own debasement and ruin."~James Monroe
"Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete. "~James Monroe
"Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all -- liberty! "~James Monroe
Have a safe and happy 4th of July everyone and please don't drink and drive!
N Posted by Rain at 7/03/2006 01:46:00 PM