Author Topic: Longshot's anti newbie thread (Read 2009 times)

Longshot · « **on:** March 16, 2007, 09:01:15 AM »

I'm not actually anti newbie, I'm anti me being a newbie. This thread is simply to get my post count out of the newbie class. Nothing useful or insightful, just a bunch of quotes and thoughts.

Longshot · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2007, 09:05:12 AM »

Patrick Henry should kick things off!

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Longshot · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2007, 09:19:55 AM »

Now from my favorite wit of the ages, Ben Franklin

Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in the world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.

Shortmag · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2007, 09:34:11 AM »

you're only half way there.

SM

Longshot · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2007, 10:20:51 AM »

I know this is getting to be alot like work.

I'll get there sooner or later

Shortmag · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2007, 10:40:14 AM »

Quote from: Longshot on March 16, 2007, 10:20:51 AM

I know this is getting to be alot like work.

I'll get there sooner or later

well, we have a BOTD thread. at least looking for stuff to post woldn't seem like work.

SM

Longshot · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2007, 10:57:21 AM »

I appreciate that, but I'm at work. I also didn't know what BOTD was then I opened the thread. I believe I'll pass on the BOTD, maybe I'll start a GOTD (gun) or better yet, a MNOTD (Mall Ninja) for all those great high speed low drag favorites......

HMMM The possibilities are endless

Shortmag · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2007, 11:05:52 AM »

A mall ninja of the day thread, hmmmmmm where's JR?

SM

Longshot · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2007, 11:25:25 AM »

MNOTD in GD

Longshot · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2007, 01:19:12 PM »

now John Adams

As long as Property exists, it will accumulate in Individuals and Families. As long as Marriage exists, Knowledge, Property and Influence will accumulate in Families.

John Adams, letter to Thomas Jefferson, July 16, 1814

Longshot · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2007, 01:27:20 PM »

And BF again

It is very imprudent to deprive America of any of her privileges. If her commerce and friendship are of any importance to you, they are to be had on no other terms than leaving her in the full enjoyment of her rights.

Benjamin Franklin, Political Observations

Longshot · « **Reply #11 on:** March 16, 2007, 01:28:47 PM »

BF's Immigration policy

Strangers are welcome because there is room enough for them all, and therefore the old Inhabitants are not jealous of them; the Laws protect them sufficiently so that they have no need of the Patronage of great Men; and every one will enjoy securely the Profits of his Industry. But if he does not bring a Fortune with him, he must work and be industrious to live.

Benjamin Franklin, Those Who Would Remove to America, February, 1784

Longshot · « **Reply #12 on:** March 16, 2007, 01:30:22 PM »

One of BF's most famous,

They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

Longshot · « **Reply #13 on:** March 16, 2007, 01:31:21 PM »

BF's wisdom

Work as if you were to live 100 Years, Pray as if you were to die To-morrow.

Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack, 1757

Longshot · « **Reply #14 on:** March 16, 2007, 01:35:59 PM »

Now to give Thomas Jefferson some equal time. I had never heard this one before but man what a quote!!!

A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks.

Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, August 19, 1785

Longshot · « **Reply #15 on:** March 16, 2007, 01:45:54 PM »

another TJ
At the establishment of our constitutions, the judiciary bodies were supposed to be the most helpless and harmless members of the government. Experience, however, soon showed in what way they were to become the most dangerous; that the insufficiency of the means provided for their removal gave them a freehold and irresponsibility in office; that their decisions, seeming to concern individual suitors only, pass silent and unheeded by the public at large; that these decisions, nevertheless, become law by precedent, sapping, by little and little, the foundations of the constitution, and working its change by construction, before any one has perceived that that invisible and helpless worm has been busily employed in consuming its substance. In truth, man is not made to be trusted for life, if secured against all liability to account.

Thomas Jefferson, letter to Monsieur A. Coray, Oct 31, 1823

Longshot · « **Reply #16 on:** March 16, 2007, 01:49:57 PM »

TJ's immigration policy,

Born in other countries, yet believing you could be happy in this, our laws acknowledge, as they should do, your right to join us in society, conforming, as I doubt not you will do, to our established rules. That these rules shall be as equal as prudential considerations will admit, will certainly be the aim of our legislatures, general and particular.

Thomas Jefferson, letter to Hugh White, May 2, 1801

Longshot · « **Reply #17 on:** March 16, 2007, 01:52:44 PM »

TJ on Taxes,

Excessive taxation will carry reason & reflection to every man's door, and particularly in the hour of election.

Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Taylor, November 26, 1798

Longshot · « **Reply #18 on:** March 16, 2007, 02:00:19 PM »

Very few illumenaties would agree,

know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power.

Thomas Jefferson, letter to William Charles Jarvis, September 28, 1820

Longshot · « **Reply #19 on:** March 16, 2007, 02:02:08 PM »

Just think, this was nearly 200 years ago. What do you think he would say now?

I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious.

Thomas Jefferson, letter to William Ludlow, September 6, 1824

Longshot · « **Reply #20 on:** March 16, 2007, 02:07:00 PM »

HMMM, what do you think lawyers would say to this?

It is not honorable to take mere legal advantage, when it happens to be contrary to justice.

Thomas Jefferson, Opinion on Debts Due to Soldiers, 1790

Longshot · « **Reply #21 on:** March 16, 2007, 02:08:56 PM »

And now a word from our father,

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.

George Washington, Circular to the States, May 9, 1753

Longshot · « **Reply #22 on:** March 16, 2007, 02:10:49 PM »

GW again

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796

Longshot · « **Reply #23 on:** March 16, 2007, 02:17:15 PM »

Never heard Clinton say anything like this?

The executive branch of this government never has, nor will suffer, while I preside, any improper conduct of its officers to escape with impunity.

George Washington, letter to Gouverneur Morris, December 22, 179

Longshot · « **Reply #24 on:** March 16, 2007, 02:23:26 PM »

Amen Mr President,

There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily.

George Washington, letter to Edmund Randolph, July 31, 1795