If the representatives of the people betray their constituents, there is then no resource left but in the exertion of that original right of self-defense which is paramount to all positive forms of government, and which against the usurpations of the national rulers, may be exerted with infinitely better prospect of success than against those of the rulers of an individual state.
In a single state, if the persons intrusted with supreme power become usurpers, the different parcels, subdivisions, or districts of which it consists, having no distinct government in each, can take no regular measures for defense. The citizens must rush tumultuously to arms, without concert, without system, without resource; except in their courage and despair.
~ Alexander Hamilton, Federalist 28
3 comments:
I'm more a fan of Jefferson than Hamilton, but he does make sense here.
gfa
Ahhh the good old days when even politicians had morals and the thought of an out of control government was so abhorrent Men would stand against it. These days it's so normal and people are so blind.
I'm with you, Guffaw; Hamilton was too much of a Big Central Gov't fan for me ... except this time. :)
Preppy, that sadly true. Dang it.
Post a Comment