Individuals entering …society
Posted on February 24, 2016 by Patricia
In Other Words

“Individuals entering society must give up a share
of liberty to preserve the rest.”
George Washington

George Washington
Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, The United States February 22, 1732
Died December 14, 1799

Ratification of the US Constitution in New York, 1788
EXCERPTS
George Washington’s letter of transmittal of the US Constitution to Congress, page 1.

In Convention, September 17, 1787.

Sir,

“WE have now the honor to submit to the consideration of the United States in Congress assembled, that constitution which has appeared to us the most advisable”. . . .

“It is obviously impracticable in the federal government of these states; to secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each, and yet provide for the interest and safety of all—Individuals entering into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest.”

“Individuals entering society must give up a share
of liberty to preserve the rest.”
George Washington

When President Washington sent his letter containing this quote to the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787 he no doubt shocked many people. A lot of history has been recorded in the United States of America since that time. Many amendments been made to the Constitution.

The Supreme Court has had their arms twisted in every direction by one political party or the other to make more amendments to the Constitution. Decisions regarding everything from super PACs Widgets to a woman’s right to choose, to guns and gizzard shad. In more recent times cases about the US Government spying on the citizens telephone and email messages for the sake of homeland security. People are still giving up their liberty to preserve it for the rest.

George Washington in his letter to the Constitution Convention in 1787 could never have dreamed of the ramifications of what his quote would come to mean in the centuries to follow. He did realize, for the sake of preserving liberty for the rest, every individual entering society would have to give up a share of his liberty.

President Washington had the foresight and wisdom to understand the full meaning of what he wrote in that letter to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. General George Washington had the guts to do it, to preserve the future liberty for all.

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