On this day in 1924, Calvin Coolidge gives a speech. He discusses the mindset of our ancestors as they began their conflict with Great Britain.
They knew that even the smallest infringement on freedom could be a foot in the door for much larger and more egregious violations of our rights. Thus, they didn't want to tolerate any infringements, no matter how small.
“Our forefathers were alert to resist all encroachments upon their rights. If we wish to maintain our rights, we can do no less,” Coolidge concluded.
How far we've fallen? Food for thought for today.
A longer version of the quote is below.
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"The Colonists claimed certain rights of self government. They were determined to maintain that principle. The burdens which resulted from the pretensions of King George and his ministers, and the exactions of Parliament, were not of great consequence and could be borne, but the principle which the people declared was of supreme importance. To acquiesce even in minor violations was to admit that a course of action might be taken which would deprive them of the chartered rights of Englishmen and reduce them to mere subjects. . . .
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They objected to small infractions, which would destroy great principles of liberty. Unless we can maintain the integrity of the courts, where the individual can secure his rights, any kind of tyranny may follow. If the people lose control of the arteries of trade; and the natural sources of mechanical power, the nationalization of all industry could soon be expected. Our forefathers were alert to resist all encroachments upon their rights. If we wish to maintain our rights, we can do no less."
Coolidge's address can be found here.
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