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Liberty Quotes

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Liberty Quotes

“There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This, within certain limits, is probably true, and, in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged.”

Source: Journal of the convention of the state of Mississippi, and the act calling the same: with the Constitution of the United States, and Washington's Farewell Address

“I saw in States' rights the only availing check upon the absolutism of the sovereign will, and secession filled me with hope, not as the destruction but as the redemption of Democracy.... Therefore I deemed that you were fighting the battles of our liberty, our progress, and our civilization, and I mourn for the stake which was lost at Richmond more deeply than I rejoice over that which was saved at Waterloo.”

“The most sensible and jealous people are so little attentive to government that there are no instances of resistance until repeated, multiplied oppressions have placed it beyond a doubt that their rulers had formed settled plans to deprive them of their liberties; not to oppress an individual or a few, but to break down the fences of a free constitution, and deprive the people at large of all share in the government, and all the checks by which it is limited.”

People Littles Government Individual Liberty Break Doubt Plans Share Revolution Constitution Checks Resistance Oppression Instance Jealous Sensible Rulers Fence Breaking Down Jealous People

Author:John Adams

“This is a time when the protections of Americans' liberties are directly at risk, as are the checks and balances that have served to constrain abuses of power for more than 200 years. The Supreme Court is relied upon by all of to us protect our fundamental rights.”

Years Liberty Rights Risk Balance Protect Abuse Fundamentals Court Protection Supreme Checks Supreme Court Abuse Of Power Constrain Fundamental Rights

Author:Patrick Leahy

“Under the president's spying program, there are no checks and balances. There is no outside review of the legality of this brazen infringement on the civil rights and liberties of the American people. Undeterred by the public outcry, the president [George Bush] vows to continue spying on American citizens.”

People President Liberty Rights Balance Citizens Program Checks Civil Rights Reviews Vow American Citizens Brazen Legality Infringement

Author:Samuel Alito

“The Supreme Court must serve as an independent check on abuses by the executive branch and the protector of our liberties, not a cheerleader for an imperial presidency.”

Liberty Abuse Independent Court Supreme Checks Branches Executives Presidency Supreme Court Protector Cheerleader Executive Branch

Author:Edward Kennedy