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National defense is one of the cardinal duties of a statesman, and that there is an obligation to perform such a duty absolutely irrespective of party politics or factional differences.

John Adams

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John Adams
Age: 90 †
Born: 1735
Born: October 19
Died: 1826
Died: July 4
2Nd U.S. President
Diplomat
Lawyer
Political Philosopher
Politician
Statesperson
Braintree
Massachusetts
President Adams
J. Adams
President John Adams
Obligation
Irrespective
Defense
Cardinal
National
Statesman
Absolutely
Cardinals
Duty
Statesmen
Differences
Duties
Politics
Voting
Party
Perform

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Thomas Jefferson survives.
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I almost shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal example of the abuses of grief which the history of mankind has preserved - the Cross. Consider what calamities that engine of grief has produced!
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In every society where property exists there will ever be a struggle between rich and poor. Mixed in one assembly, equal laws can never be expected they will either be made by the member to plunder the few who are rich, or by the influence to fleece the many who are poor.
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It would be an absurdity for jurors to be required to accept the judge's view of the law, against their own opinion, judgment, and conscience.
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Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics.
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The appearance of religion only on Sunday proves that it is only an appearance.
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I had heard my father say that he never knew a piece of land run away or break.
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Slavery is a foul contagion in the human character.
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I desire no other inscription over my gravestone than: 'Here lies John Adams, who took upon himself the responsibility of peace with France in the year 1800'.
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It is weakness rather than wickedness which renders men unfit to be trusted with unlimited power.
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We electors have an important constitutional power placed in our hands we have a check upon two branches of the legislature.
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The only thing most people do better than anyone else is read their own handwriting.
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Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.
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If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?
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Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom. Aristotle speaks plainly to this purpose, saying, 'that the institution of youth should be accommodated to that form of government under which they live forasmuch as it makes exceedingly for the preservation of the present government, whatsoever it be.
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I must not write a word to you about politics, because you are a woman.
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The destiny of America is to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to all men everywhere.
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Where annual elections end, there slavery begins ... Humility, patience, and moderation, without which every man in power becomes a ravenous beast of prey.
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There is nothing I dread so much as the division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our constitution.
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I consider a decent respect for Christianity among the best recommendations for public service.
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