"[W]hen the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, - who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually, by totally disusing and neglecting the militia." --George Mason, speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788
I've been subscribing to Founder's dot org's various dailies for some time now, and the Founder's Quote Daily is my favorite. If you want to subscribe, go here. I often think men like Mason would disown us for the mess we've made of their experiment. On a side note - I'd have to say my American History was a bit sketchy - I sure don't remember George Mason being mentioned much, when we probably owe our Bill of Rights to the man. On the other hand, Ben Franklin may have really been the father of our country - wink, wink....
Going off topic even more - the other night on Pawn Stars a gentleman came in wanting to sell some Revolutionary War currency. Two were fairly common and not worth that much, but one appeared to be printed by Ben Franklin. Turned out it was, and the artifact was valuable. It was worth more because of Franklin's signature, but what really made it rare was George Mason's signature.
Anyways, getting back on topic - doesn't what Mason is discussing seem just a bit uncomfortably familiar?
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