George Washington

• “Government is not reason. It is not eloquence, it is force; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”
• “A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends.”
• “Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”
• “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”
• “Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples’ liberty’s teeth.”
• “Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”
• “Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.”
• “If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
• “It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy to deprive a man of his natural liberty upon the supposition he may abuse it.” (Guns, anyone?)
• “Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.”
• “The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.”
• “The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.” (*cough* Biden *cough*)
• “The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.”
• “The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference – they deserve a place of honor with all that’s good.”
• “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”