This short quote speaks volumes that I hope you will read & contemplate:

Ronald Reagan said, "Perhaps you and I have lived with this miracle too long to be properly appreciative.  Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction.  It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people.  Those who have known freedom and lost it have never known it again."

Habits Which Lead to Political Prosperity

I only have a few minutes, so this first post will be very short...but incredibly sweet.  Last year, I discovered George Washington's farewell address, and it has become one of my favorite historical documents.  It includes profound truths and gives particular insight into the minds of our Founding Fathers.  Below are a few excerpts that I hope will make you want to look up the rest :)

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion adn morality are indespensable supports.  In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props fo the duties of Men and citizens."

"Towards the preservation of your Government and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts.  One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown."

"The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible."

"I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy."