January 26, 2010 --

LPR hears that the health care reform proposals considered by the representatives and senators we have sent to Congress don't quite apply to these officials as they would apply to the rest of us. See the following excerpt from The Federalist No. 57 which indicates that people have lost their freedom when legislators pass laws from which the lawmakers are exempt. If you believe in freedom, if you believe in the legacy of liberty bequeathed to us by The Founding Fathers, please forward this Federalist 57 excerpt to everyone you can think of.

-- DRZ for LPR

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From The Federalist No. 57 (James Madison)

I will add, as a fifth circumstance in the situation of the House of Representatives, restraining them from oppressive measures, that they can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as on the great mass of the society. This has always been deemed one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together. It creates between them that communion of interests and sympathy of sentiments, of which few governments have furnished examples; but without which every government degenerates into tyranny.

If it be asked, what is to restrain the House of Representatives from making legal discriminations in favor of themselves and a particular class of the society? I answer: the genius of the whole system; the nature of just and constitutional laws; and above all, the vigilant and manly spirit which actuates the people of America, a spirit which nourishes freedom, and in return is nourished by it. If this spirit shall ever be so far debased as to tolerate a law not obligatory on the legislature, as well as on the people, the people will be prepared to tolerate any thing but liberty.

Google source: www.federalistpapers.org