Founders Corner

A REAL State of The Union Address-Jefferson's 1801 Message

State of the Union Address Thomas Jefferson December 8, 1801

FELLOW CITIZENS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

It is a circumstance of sincere gratification to me that on meeting the great council of our nation I am able to an nounce to them on grounds of reasonable certainty that the wars and troubles which have for so many years afflicted our sister nations have at length come to an end, and that the communications of peace and commerce are once more open ing among them. Whilst we devoutly return thanks to the beneficent Being...

George Washington and his "lordly masters"

General George Washington Writing Letter

On Wednesday, 13 July, 2011 I read parts of this letter on-air to help flesh out the comparison between the Revolutionary War period 1765-1781 and today's debt ceiling, debt limit, Federal Overlord induced tyranny. You can clearly see the frustration Washington felt in trying to get British ministers to see things his and other colonists way. At the time, Washington and company enjoyed the protection of the British Army & Navy, enjoyed being faithful subject of "his majesty", proudly flew the 1769 version of a "Union Jack" flag and carried on most English traditions and mannerisms. What then, would Washington & company stand to gain by the talk in this letter of "Going Galt" and refusing to purchase any goods taxed by Parliament? The answer must be found in the title of Addison's "Fame and the Founding Fathers". It is also worthy of noting that a constant stream runs through Washington, Jefferson, Henry, Adams and most Founders' writings at the time, a reference to "ancient and Constitutional rights" or as Washington puts it to "maintain the liberty which we have derived from our Ancestors." There is much to be admired in this early statement of rebellion from "The Father of His Country." - Mike Church

Mount Vernon 5th April 1769.

Dear sir,

Herewith you will receive a letter and sundry papers which were forwarded to me a day or two ago by Doctor Ross of Bladensburg. I transmit them with the greater pleasure, as my own desire of knowing your sentiments upon a matter of this importance exactly coincides with the Doctrs inclinations.

At a time when our lordly Masters in Great Britain will be satisfied with nothing less than the deprivation of American freedom, it seems highly necessary that something shou'd be done to avert the stroke and maintain the liberty which we have derived from our Ancestors...

The Virginia Declaration of Rights by George Mason

(Audio) Mandeville, LA - I have often told the story that while writing the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson was inspired by founder George Mason. There is no clearer example of this than Jefferson's heavy use of Mason's phrase from the VA Declaration concerning the pursuit of happiness. this should clear it up and hopefully help the reader fully understand...

Dr Gutzman: The Founder's Generation...

Mike: What is the difference between the men that were in public life at the turn of the 18th Century – from 1760 to 1800 or 1810, say – what is the difference between those men and the citizenry at large, for that matter, and between us? And the big difference, I think, and I’ll get your take on this, is that that generation grew up with a fear, a palpable fear of government.

Jefferson to Madison: Just say no on post roads

Mandeville, LA - It often comes to my attention that most folks think it entirely proper that the Federal Government should design, confiscate the property, then build and maintain millions of miles of Interstate roads and bridges. Many time people use the argument that "well the Constitution does give Congress authority to build post roads."