In the Appendix to Common Sense, first published on January 10, 1776 – Thomas Paine wrote about the “birthday of a new world,” with this timeless reminder that fits today – and every single day of the year:
“We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”
With that reminder as our foundation today – I wanted to share with you 9 more of my favorite quotes from leading founders that set the stage for how we’re approaching things in 2022, and beyond. I present them without comment – the words speak for themselves.
James Otis, Jr. – Resist at the First Attack
“Obsta Principiis is a maxim never to be forgot: If we do not resist at the first attack, it may soon be too late”
-Writing as Freeborn American (27 Apr 1767)
John Dickinson – Refuse to Comply
“IF you comply with the Act by using Stamped Papers, you fix, you rivet perpetual Chains upon your unhappy Country. You unnecessarily, voluntarily establish the detestable Precedent, which those who have forged your Fetters ardently wish for, to varnish the future Exercise of this new claimed Authority”
-Broadside Against the Stamp Act (Nov 1765)
Mercy Otis Warren – Resist First
“Resist the first approaches of tyranny.”
-Writing as “A Columbian Patriot” – Observations on the New Constitution (1788)
–> Don’t miss this video and podcast:
Resistance Should be the First Response, Not the Last
Thomas Jefferson – Free People
“A free people claim their rights, as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate”
-A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774)
James Lincoln – Liberty and Trust
“Let the people but once trust their liberties out of their own hands, and what will be the consequence? First, a haughty, imperious aristocracy; and ultimately, a tyrannical monarchy.”
-Speech in the South Carolina Ratifying Convention (18 Jan 1788)
John Hancock – Our Common Cause
“We have all one common cause; let it, therefore, be our only contest, who shall most contribute to the security of the liberties of America”
-Massacre Day Oration (5 Mar 1774)
–> Don’t miss this video and podcast:
What Makes a Free People?
Samuel Adams – All Might be Free
“The truth is, all might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they ought.”
-Essay as Candidus in the Boston Gazette (14 Oct 1771)
*2 quotes to follow are from the same essay as well
Samuel Adams – Duty to Defend
“The liberties of our Country, the freedom of our civil constitution are worth defending at all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks.”
Samuel Adams – Fortitude and Perseverance
“Instead of sitting down satisfied with the efforts we have already made, which is the wish of our enemies, the necessity of the times, more than ever, calls for our utmost circumspection, deliberation, fortitude and perseverance”
–> Don’t miss this video and podcast:
Samuel Adams: “All Might be Free”
As we kick off the New Year, we’re rolling up our sleeves every single day to take a stand for the Constitution and liberty against the largest and most powerful government in the history of the world.
Getting the job done won’t be easy, but no matter what the odds, it’s essential to do what’s right. And for us at the TAC, that’s the Constitution: Every issue, every time. No exceptions, no excuses.
Together with your help, we’ll continue setting the foundation for liberty in 2022 and beyond. Thank you for being here with us!
Concordia res parvae crescunt
(small things grow great by concord)
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is today’s Tenther newsletter, which everyone in the nullification movement gets daily or weekly. Be one of them.
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