The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776 Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796 Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves, therefore, are its only safe deposi ...   read more