Thanks, The Wealth of nations is on my list of books I want to read. I have not yet studied it or Adam Smith. I like to get to know an author of a book with historical or philosophical context. The motive of the author is as important as what they write. Based on what I do know I would agree that he influenced our revolution and constitution. Thanks for the other book, it would be most interesting reading based on an initial glance.

Hello XenokRoy,
I would include among all the major influences already listed, Adam Smith. His work “The Wealth of Nations” was published in 1776 and by the time of the Constitutional convention many were well versed. Jefferson, Madison, Wilson, and Hamilton were among those who quoted the work.
I think you would also appreciate a book in my library that gives great support for the influence of Christianity on our founding. “Christian Life & Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States” Benjamin Franklin Morris, is 800+ pages of quotes and historical documentation. It was out of print for 100 years but you can get a reprint or download it. http://archive.org/details/ChristianLife...

Regards,
O.A.

I hope he's at least a lurker

Yes...I'm very scary. BOO! (Being asked to explain, in detail, to prove one's theory CAN be very scary...if your theory is IMPOSSIBLE to explain and makes NO sense. All I was looking for was an admission ---or the theory--...instead, he bolted. Nuf said.) I really didn't see him disappearing though, that's odd. Where of where is Widget???

Quite right, and when more of us realize they have crossed over the line it will be their undoing. Since this is subjective and based upon our knowledge, not all of us have the same level of tolerance and criteria for what is “too far.” There will however be a point at which it is apparent even to the now oblivious sycophants.
Regards,
O.A.

Good morning davidkachel,

Nothing would please me more than to see those who have violated the constitution and their oath to protect and defend it, hanging from their ankles like Mussolini, but how can this be accomplished without violating our own principles, ending up in prison, or shot for treason? Until a mass uprising or change in the leadership brings charges, those now in power would surely see any small rebellion put down. We see those who have violated the Constitution as treasonous, but any violent actions against those in power would surely be seen by them and apparently 51% of the ignorant electorate as treasonous on the part of the rebels even though they would stand for upholding the Constitution/ supreme law of the land. Small uprisings would likely result in a police state and greater oppression. Remember what happened to Timothy McVeigh (lethal injection) and his cadre? the Branch Dividians? Randy Weaver? the ensuing fear mongering and oppression of citizen militias?

The government used these events to their advantage, gained more power and the ability to further oppress the liberties of innocent Americans. That is not to say that what McVeigh did was honorable. Killing innocents is not honorable whether it is McVeigh bombing the A.P. Murrah building or the government killing the Davidians or Weaver and family.

Since we are not still in the early 1800s we cannot dispense with the statists as easily as Aaron Burr did with Hamilton. Today a man of honor who challenged Obama or any other usurper in such a manner would not be seen as a man of honor but a potential assassin. If this were not the case today there are many who believe themselves patriots who would gladly risk their lives for the sake of posterity.

As much as I wish it were not so, the times do not look favorably for men of this nature. Our populace is far too timid and the overwhelming power usurped by government is the reason for the apprehension. No it will take martyrs or calamity to rally enough patriots as long as the bread and circuses continue to placate so many. When the bread runs out, and it will, then even the dullards will awaken.

I share your passion but find little safe recourse, short of a political epiphany among the electorate. Do you have a plan that doesn’t endanger what freedom we still possess?

You remind me of not only J.B. Books, but of Patrick Henry!

Respectfully,
O.A.

I'm happy with a beer, or Mike's Hard Lemonade. Simple country girl.

Around the time Blackstone wrote in England, common law followed natural law roughly. But natural law is philosophical, and Blackstone was not attempting to say what the law should be, he chronicled what the common Law was. yes, there was overlap, but distinction is important here.
Locke was clearly influential, natural law, in defining the relationship between people and their government, based on reason, not religion.

it moved the discussion forward?

You get a point for that :)

I wondered what happened to Widget :)

yes, and that was when you scared him off. nice going

that's what they always say

she has more than one set. duh

I like who XenokRoy referred to above, as the influences for the framing of the Constitution. Get my drift? I have read quite a bit of Cicero's writings, and they are worthy of the consideration they were given.

Thank you both for some wonderful perspectives and thought provoking discussion. I will be thinking about this today at work.

Amen! Lol