Thursday, January 21, 2016

Mr. Henry employs the HAMMER of TRUTH: "A bill of rights may be summed up in a few words. What do they tell us ?--That our rights are reserved. Why not say so? Is it because it will consume too much paper? A bill of rights, even if its necessity be doubtful, will exclude the possibility of dispute..."

   "A bill of rights may be summed up in a few words. What do they tell us ?--That our rights are reserved. Why not say so? Is it because it will consume too much paper? Gentlemen's reasoning against a bill of rights does not satisfy me. Without saying which has the right side, it remains doubtful. A bill of rights is a favorite thing with the Virginians and the people of the other states likewise. It may be their prejudice, but the government ought to suit their geniuses; otherwise, its operation will be unhappy. A bill of rights, even if its necessity be doubtful, will exclude the possibility of dispute; and, with great submission, I think the best way is to have no dispute."--Patrick Henry, Jume 14, 1788, The Debates In The Convention Of The State Of Virginia, On The Adoption Of The Federal Constitution. [Elliot's Debates, Vol. III, Pg. 448]

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