John Quincy Adams on American Policy:

Wednesday, June 25, 2014
6:08 AM

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John Quincy Adams on American Policy:

“Whenever the standard of freedom and Independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be. But she goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own.

She well knows that by once enlisting under other banners than her own, were they even the banners of foreign independence, she would involve herself beyond the power of extrication, in all the wars of interest and intrigue, of individual avarice, envy, and ambition, which assume the colors and usurp the standard of freedom.”

Fourth of July, 1821

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If we intend to abandon this principle it is important that we understand the consequences, and also the requirements. It will not be cheap – and it will require that we learn the principles of rule without the consent of the governed. That has historically been a skill that Republics have regretted allowing their Legions to learn.

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Freedom is not free. Free men are not equal. Equal men are not free.

From: http://www.jerrypournelle.com/chaosmanor/epa-victory-or-defeat-history-and-policy-in-iraq/