#159: “Principle Pillar of Free Government”

“Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins. Republics and limited monarchies derive their strength and vigor from a popular examination into the action of the magistrates.”*

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*"On Freedom of Speech and the Press", Pennsylvania Gazette (17 November 1737). https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin

“Benjamin Franklin (17 January 1706 – 17 April 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A renowned polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the U.S. Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He facilitated many civic organizations, including Philadelphia's fire department and the University of Pennsylvania.
“Franklin earned the title of "The First American" for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity, first as an author and spokesman in London for several colonies.” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia | https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin
See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin