Joe Gunns
Member
FWIW, I found the following as part of an intro to a book on the Constitution that I recently took into the shop and thought it might be of interest:
"The Constitution is not self-perpetuating. If it is to survive, it will be because it has public support. Such support is not a passive, but an active operation. It means making adequate sacrifice to maintain what is of general benefit.
"The Constitution of the United States is the final refuge of every right that is enjoyed by any American citizen. So long as it is observed, those rights will be secure. Whenever it falls into disrespect or disrepute, the end of orderly organized government, as we have known it for more than one hundred and twenty-five years, will be at hand.
"The Constitution represents a government of law. There is only one other form of authority, and that is a government of force, Americans must make their choice between these two. One signifies justice and liberty; the other tyranny and oppression. To live under the American Constitution is the greatest political privilege that was ever accorded to the human race."
signed (in facsimile), Calvin Coolidge, The White House, December 12, 1924
"The Constitution is not self-perpetuating. If it is to survive, it will be because it has public support. Such support is not a passive, but an active operation. It means making adequate sacrifice to maintain what is of general benefit.
"The Constitution of the United States is the final refuge of every right that is enjoyed by any American citizen. So long as it is observed, those rights will be secure. Whenever it falls into disrespect or disrepute, the end of orderly organized government, as we have known it for more than one hundred and twenty-five years, will be at hand.
"The Constitution represents a government of law. There is only one other form of authority, and that is a government of force, Americans must make their choice between these two. One signifies justice and liberty; the other tyranny and oppression. To live under the American Constitution is the greatest political privilege that was ever accorded to the human race."
signed (in facsimile), Calvin Coolidge, The White House, December 12, 1924
