George Mason quotes - page 3

Does any man suppose that one general national government can exist in so extensive a country as this? (George Mason)
Why should we not provide against the danger of having our militia, our real and natural strength, destroyed? View quote
George Mason
Every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant. View quote
George Mason
I ask who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people, except a few public officers. But I cannot say who will be the militia of the future day. View quote
George Mason
No man has a greater regard for the military gentlemen than I have. I admire their intrepidity, perseverance, and valour. But when once a standing army is established, in any country, the people lose their liberty. View quote
George Mason
A few years' experience will convince us that those things which at the time they happened we regarded as our greatest misfortunes have proved our greatest blessings. Of this awful truth no person has lived to my age without seeing abundant proof. View quote
George Mason
Under the present government all ranks of people are subject to militia duty. View quote
George Mason
Mr. Chairman - A worthy member has asked, who are the militia, if they are not the people, of this country, and if we are not to be protected from the fate of the Germans, Prussians, &c. by our representation? I ask who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people, except a few public officers. But I cannot say who will be the militia of the future day. If that paper on the table gets no alteration, the militia of the future day may not consist of all classes, high and low, and rich and poor; but may be confined to the lower and middle classes of the people, granting exclusion to the higher classes of the people. If we should ever see that day, the most ignominious punishments and heavy fines may be expected. Under the present government, all ranks of people are subject to militia duty. View quote
George Mason