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 ten of my favorite quotes from leading founders and old revolutionaries that set the stage for how we’re approaching things in 2024, and beyond. I present them without (much) commentary – the words speak for themselves.
James Otis, Jr. – Submission and Tyranny
“So long as people will submit to arbitrary measures, so long will they find masters”
-January 11, 1762
James Iredell – Stopping Usurpation
“The only resource against usurpation is the inherent right of the people to prevent its exercise.”
-Speech in the North Carolina Ratifying Convention (1788)
Mercy Otis Warren – Resist First
“Resist the first approaches of tyranny.”
-Writing as “A Columbian Patriot” – Observations on the New Constitution (1788)
Thomas Jefferson – Nullify!
“Where powers are assumed which have not been delegated, a nullification of the act is the rightful remedy”
-Draft for the Kentucky Resolutions (Before 4 Oct 1798)
–> Don’t miss this video and podcast:
Jefferson: Top-5 Principles from the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798
Oliver Ellsworth – Void
“If they make a law which the Constitution does not authorize, it is void.”
-Speech in the Connecticut Ratifying Convention (1788)
Alexander Hamilton – Yes, Even Hamilton
“It will not follow from this doctrine that acts of the large society which are NOT PURSUANT to its constitutional powers, but which are invasions of the residuary authorities of the smaller societies, will become the supreme law of the land. These will be merely acts of usurpation, and will deserve to be treated as such.”
-Federalist 33 (3 Jan 1788)
Roger Sherman – Void and States
“All acts of the Congress not warranted by the constitution would be void. Nor could they be enforced contrary to the sense of a majority of the States.”
-December 8, 1787
–> Don’t miss this video and podcast:
Breaking Free from the Monster State
Patrick Henry – Bring it
“If this be treason, make the most of it!”
-Speech against the Stamp Act (1765)
Thomas Paine – Fear
“The strength and powers of despotism consist wholly in the fear of resisting it”
-Rights of Man, Part II (1792)
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)
–> Don’t miss this video and podcast:
Blueprint: Rhetoric, Resistance and the Revolution
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.
As noted in our annual State of the Nullification Movement Report (find it here), we’ve made some serious progress, but now is not the time to let up – not even close.
Samuel Adams summed it up best:
“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”
Together with your help, we’ll continue setting the foundation for liberty in 2024 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.
