February 16, 2004

Thomas Jefferson: "I like a little rebellion now and then"

THOMAS JEFFERSON, letter to Abigail Adams, 1787, who had written to him, concerned about mob violence in Massachusetts. He responded:

The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere.
Posted by sheila
Comments

He then added: "I love the smell of musket powder in the morning."

Posted by: sid at February 16, 2004 11:54 PM