I can’t find it. What is that Thomas Jefferson quote about revolution being the responsibility of the people if government isn’t addressing valid needs? (As in, a deadlocked congress.) I think that’s how it goes.
The Declaration of Independence?
I could hug your neck! I think that’s it. Now I can make a post on Facebook (in reference to Donald Trump’s call for revolution) that will change the world, I’m sure.
Thank you.
Just remember that Jefferson thought there would be a revolution every 20 years or so.
But that’s not exactly it. It’s more terse and emphatic. But thanks anyway.
With a quick Google I find the following attributed to Jefferson:
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.”
“A little rebellion now and then is a good thing and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.”
… or more fully,
“I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people, which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions, as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.”
“The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.”
“Every generation needs a new revolution.”
“If once the people become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judges and Governors, shall all become wolves. It seems to be the law of our general nature, in spite of individual exceptions.”
“A society that will trade a little liberty for a little order will lose both, and deserve neither”
“Prudence … will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.” [Decl of Indep, earlier draft?]
Try one of these: http://www.thomasjeffersonquotes.net/
(Computer’s acting up so I couldn’t post earlier.)
Thanks all for your suggestions. I think the quote I remember from a while back is a pithy variation of the longish Dec/of/Independence one. They are all apropos, though.