[Soon to be] Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court James Wilson, "the argument of necessity is the patriot's defence, as well as the tyrant's plea.", Dec. 11, 1787

   "Congress may recommend; they can do no more: they may require; but they must not proceed one step further. If things are bad now, -- and that they are not worse is only owing to hopes of improvement or change in the system,--will they become better when those hopes are disappointed? We have been told, by honorable gentlemen on this floor, (Mr. Smilie, Mr. Findley, and Mr. Whitehill,) that it is improper to urge this kind of argument in favor of a new system of government, or against the old one: unfortunately, sir, these things are too severely felt to be omitted; the people feel them; they pervade all classes of citizens, and every situation from New Hampshire to Georgia: the argument of necessity is the patriot's defence, as well as the tyrant's plea."--James Wilson, Dec. 11, 1787, The Debates In The Convention Of The State Of Pennsylvania, On The Adoption Of The Federal Constitution. [Elliot's Debates, Vol. II, Pg. 525]