Dealing with Ann Arbor’s Downtown Development Authority (the A2DDA) definitely elicits an emotional response. Sadly, the happy emotions did not make the cut. Anyway, the experience finds me recollecting some of my favorite government quotes…
When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. — Thomas Jefferson
The point to remember is that what the government gives it must first take away. — John S. Caldwell
We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid. — Benjamin Franklin
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. — Thomas Jefferson
I am for doing good to the poor, but…I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. I observed…that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer. — Benjamin Franklin
It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority. — Benjamin Franklin
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. — Benjamin Franklin
Never trust a government that doesn’t trust its own citizens with guns. — Benjamin Franklin
Once upon a time, government budgets were balanced, our money was sound, the streets were safe, and taxes imposed by all levels of government took less than 10% of our income. — Harry Browne
The smartest thing I have ever done was not leave Florida permanently. After spending 20 plus years living and working in Florida, I’ve certainly seen my share of embarrassment. From Terry Schivo to Elian Gonzalez, the 2000 election to the Anna Nicole Smith Baby Daddy trial, Florida certainly helps give late night talk show hosts a punch line now and then.
