A few quotes from Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826):

Advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper.

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.

Always take hold of things by the smooth handle.

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.

Every generation needs a new revolution.

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

I cannot live without books.

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I guess its time to pull out my hero, Albert Einstein....a little crazy, a whole lot brilliant, but willing to admit he doesn't know everything!

Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions.

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.

Too many of us look upon Americans as dollar chasers. This is a cruel libel, even if it is reiterated thoughtlessly by the Americans themselves.

And y'all wonder where I get my sense of humor???

Andi

Andi - your hero was a nice addition here. Thank you for his brilliant (and funny) remarks.

Mutt - any ideas as to why JOHN HANCOCK signed his name so danged big on the declaration?

I know! I know!! He had a severe speech impediment so he thought if he wrote bigger no one would notice!!!

My research indicates that myth has it that it was done so that King George wouldn't need glasses to read it. More likely had to do with his role as President of the Continental Congress and his desire to show his fearless patriotism. Interesting how his name became synonymous with the term signature...

Just got in from one of my daughters' swim meets. It's still going. I'm not.

Took MANY pictures, as usual. Time to brace for the end of the day.

I read somewhere John Hancock signed first and that was why he wrote his name so large.