When men hire themselves to shoot other men to order, asking nothing of the justice of their cause, I don’t care whether they are shot themselves.
Herbert Spencer, “Patriotism,” Facts and Comments (1902) — commenting on Britain’s “second war in Afghanistan” (1878-1880).
Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all — liberty!
Paul Jacob applies ancient principles to the news:
The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.
Political freedom cannot exist in any land where religion controls the state, and religious freedom cannot exist in any land where the state controls religion.
Samuel James Ervin, Jr., (1896-1985).
The United States was founded by the brightest people in the country — and we haven’t seen them since.
Gore Vidal, Matters of Fact and Fiction (1978)