Hey OlympicBrain, you stupid, worthless, ignorant cow, NOT ONE of those Thomas Jefferson quotes are IN the actual CONSTITUTION. Nor was he the ONLY founder or even the one who actually WROTE the Constitution (that would be Gov. Morris who). Nor was he as influential in its writing as George Washington and James Madison...commonly referred to as the FATHER of the Constitution because his Federalist Papers were very influential in writing it. I could find quotes of Jefferson's that would show he absolutely believed in free enterprise, independence and LESS government interference instead of MORE. Context is important and you provided none. The rights of STATES not the feds...let me repeat that...the rights of the STATES were more important than the feds. The Bill of Rights was more important than either feds or states. To think otherwise shows a complete lack of understanding about the founding fathers and the Constitution. More telling about Jefferson's thoughts are the letters exchanged between he and John Adams in the latter years of their lives. Of course there is this:
"A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government."
Thomas Jefferson
and this:
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."
Thomas Jefferson
Oh, and then there's also this:
"I was in Europe when the Constitution was planned, and never saw it till after it was established. On receiving it, I wrote strongly to Mr. Madison, urging the want of provision for... an express reservation to the States of all rights not specifically granted to the Union." (emphasis mine)
Thomas Jefferson
And there we have it...quotes that refute your stuff...but just like yours (with the exception of the last one) it would be helpful to show context. But why, I'm just trying to prove my point and disprove yours. I don't need no stinkin' context.
Cindie