Note the first two sections of the Tennessee Constitution, which dates to 1796 and which Thomas Jefferson praised at the time:Section 1. That all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; for the advancement of those ends they have at all times, an unalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.Section 2. That government being instituted for the common benefit, the doctrine of nonresistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.This was unremarkable at the time of the Framers, when badges of office did not possess a talismanic power.
Quite right.
2 comments:
Representative Lincoln made the following statement regarding the secession of Texas from Mexico:
”Any people anywhere being inclined and having the power have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable, a most sacred right- a right which we hope and believe is to liberate the world. Nor is this right confined to cases in which the whole people of an existing government may choose to exercise it. Any portion of such people that can may revolutionize and make their own so much of the territory as they can inhabit.”
Apparently, President Lincoln decided that position was embarrassingly inconvenient.
To be fair, he never promised they'd be successful.
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