Thomas Jefferson on treachery...
Believe me, dear Sir: there is not in the British empire a man who more cordially loves a union with Great Britain than I do. But, by the God that made me, I will cease to exist before I yield to a connection on such terms as the British Parliament propose; and in this, I think I speak the sentiments of America.
—Thomas Jefferson, November 29, 1775
I've been sitting here wondering what Jefferson would think about Snowden and his acts, and the US Govt and ours (and we own this, we do), today.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
I do not consent to be governed by those who would secret rules and amendments of which I have no knowledge into pending bills before Congress in order to enact laws to which I would never consent otherwise.
It is time to toss Congress out on their asses and take back our country. It is time to start working locally, and incrementally. And I think Jefferson would agree. I do. How about you?
Which side of history do you fall on?
= new reply since forum marked as read
I don't want to 'go back' to what the founding fathers meant during their time in history.
So you're saying that the Declaration of Independence, and our subsequent Constitution should be tossed as archaic? Is this what you're saying? It sure reads that way.
... have to be put into context of the times they were living in.
I doubt that if any of them were alive today that they would think that abolishing our whole government and starting from scratch would be a good idea.
Working within the framework of what we have 'now' is the best way to 'change' the things we do not want or like, in my opinion.
and it's an AMAZING document, one that has been amended 27 times since "back then", the Bill of Rights, and then of course, amongst others, the 13th (slavery) and 19th (women's suffrage).
And it was the Declaration of Independence that "abolished" British rule (govt) over US persons, which makes it kind of hard to understand how you'd think "I doubt that if any of them were alive today that they would think that abolishing our whole government and starting from scratch would be a good idea" since that's exactly what they did.
But of course, that's not what I said I think we should do.
And what we have 'now' is what began and has grown from "back then", isn't it?
I have a DR. appt and so I must reluctantly leave for a bit. I do appreciate the discussion, and I will return. 
... but NOT 'all' the Democrats
Other folks in CA - maybe not so much. 
And it's time. Time for new laws and covenants, and a govt that represents its citizens. I'm familiar with the Jefferson Hour and Clay Jenkinson; I've watched many episodes, but not near enough. Saw him locally as Jefferson a few years ago. I'm so happy to have read your post. Thanks!!
He is tangential to the subject matter in that I wonder what Jefferson would think about him, his acts which some embrace while others vilify, and the condition within which we, the supposedly informed and consenting, find ourselves in the present day.
I do not consent to be governed by those who would secret rules and amendments of which I have no knowledge into pending bills before Congress in order to enact laws to which I would never consent otherwise.
The above is the subject matter. It's about the rise and existence of a surveillance state, run by Corp. interests not elected to represent the people of this country in any capacity, and how it is that we, the citizens of this country, allowed and allow ourselves and our interests to be controlled by representatives who vote for laws in the dark of night, who attach amendments to bills hoping (usually happens, it seems) that the very people they supposedly 'represent' will not notice when those very instruments become law of the land... but, now that its legal, well then - it's all okie dokie fine. No need to be concerned. Look! Shiny Object!!
Hope this helps you to understand where I'm coming from, right now. I didn't mean to confuse anyone.
