From A Prophet (1 Viewer)

[FairWarning]

Independence Day!  These ideas are not new….

“I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” “Honesty is the first chapter of the book wisdom.” Thomas Jefferson

 

[squistion]

Independence Day!  These ideas are not new….

“I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” “Honesty is the first chapter of the book wisdom.” Thomas Jefferson

As I suspected, the bolded is an inaccurate quotation attributed to Jefferson.

https://www.pantagraph.com/news/opinion/mailbag/inaccurate-quotations-attributed-to-jefferson/article_d0bb9b7e-d264-11df-8fb8-001cc4c03286.html

The (quote) is actually, “If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of taking care of them, they must become happy.” The discerning reader will recognize that the real and contrived quote offer different messages.

 

[FairWarning]

I need a beer, thanks.

 

[BladeRunner]

I need a beer, thanks.

I had way too much whiskey last night.  Little slow this morning. 

 

[djmich]

Is this where we get to include and read a bunch of great quotes about freedom and the risks of an overbearing government?

With added bonus of squis fact check?

I'm game

Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best stage, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one. — Tom Paine

“The America Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public’s money.” — Alexis de Tocqueville