Happy 4th of July

Since the general civilizations of mankind I believe there are more instances of the abridgements of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. - James Madison

The condition on which God has given liberty to man is eternal vigilance. - John Philpot Curran  

(Both taken from Phillip's book of Great Thoughts & Funny Sayings)