Friday the 13th
I've probably seen the movies, but I can never get it straight if the Friday the 13th series features Jason or Michael. Do I care? No. Anyway . . .
I'm sure I could sit here writing this list all afternoon, but it's time to go to Barberitos!
This particular Friday the 13th is the 264th birthday of Thomas Jefferson, perhaps the most intelligent man ever to be president of the United States of America. Here's one of my favorite passages from his book called Notes on the State of Virginia, published in 1787:
"I doubt whether the people of this country would suffer an execution for heresy, or a three years' imprisonment for not comprehending the mysteries of the Trinity. But is the spirit of the people an infallible, a permanent reliance? Is it government? Is this the kind of protection we receive in return for the rights we give up? Besides, the spirit of the times may alter, will alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our people careless. A single zealot may commence persecutor, and better men be his victims. It can never be too often repeated, that the time for fixing every essential right on a legal basis is while our rulers are honest, and ourselves united. From the conclusion of this war we shall be going downhill. It will not then be necessary to resort every moment to the people for support. They will be forgotten, therefore, and their rights disregarded. They will forget themselves, but in the sole faculty of making money, and will never think of uniting to effect a due respect for their rights. The shackles, therefore, which shall not be knocked off at the conclusion of this war, will remain on us long, will be made heavier and heavier, till our rights shall revive or expire in a convulsion."
- look both ways before crossing the street
- chew your food well
- stay alert at the wheel
- don't fly anywhere (just kidding DSW!)
- don't approach animals that don't know who you are
- avoid becoming absent-mindedly obsessed with power outlets
- hold handrails going down (or up) the stairs
I'm sure I could sit here writing this list all afternoon, but it's time to go to Barberitos!
This particular Friday the 13th is the 264th birthday of Thomas Jefferson, perhaps the most intelligent man ever to be president of the United States of America. Here's one of my favorite passages from his book called Notes on the State of Virginia, published in 1787:"I doubt whether the people of this country would suffer an execution for heresy, or a three years' imprisonment for not comprehending the mysteries of the Trinity. But is the spirit of the people an infallible, a permanent reliance? Is it government? Is this the kind of protection we receive in return for the rights we give up? Besides, the spirit of the times may alter, will alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our people careless. A single zealot may commence persecutor, and better men be his victims. It can never be too often repeated, that the time for fixing every essential right on a legal basis is while our rulers are honest, and ourselves united. From the conclusion of this war we shall be going downhill. It will not then be necessary to resort every moment to the people for support. They will be forgotten, therefore, and their rights disregarded. They will forget themselves, but in the sole faculty of making money, and will never think of uniting to effect a due respect for their rights. The shackles, therefore, which shall not be knocked off at the conclusion of this war, will remain on us long, will be made heavier and heavier, till our rights shall revive or expire in a convulsion."
posted by mac | 8:18 AM
5 Comments:
Some would say, and I am among them, that we are near to that point now... we should pray for revivel of our rights and the spirit of TJ to guide us in that direction. Thank you Michael... Good bless you, john
I'm afraid I agree with John...
THOMAS JEFFERSON’S NATIONAL PRAYER FOR PEACE, AS President OF THE U.S.A. in 1805
Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners.
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.
Endow with Thy Spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy Law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth.
In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
A man who clearly understood that God's Law was enough to rule the nations.
An awesome addition, Mark! Thanks!
indeed, thank you Mark - I wonder anyone is paying attention at the office of the government? Peace, john
I am printing this prayer and putting it in my bible.
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