- “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 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 – Speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 20, 1788
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This kind of thing is why I love your blog so much. I truly believe this is the kind of thing not said enough today and certainly not taught in schools.