I got both quotes from an article in the Globe and Mail - the author attributed them to Jefferson's speeches made during the debate surrounding the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, although I am not aware of the precise context.
I was actually hoping Tibbsy could name the song and artist that the line in the original post comes from - I started this thread as a joke, and not as a way to discuss the statements in my signature (that might be better left for the Lavender room)
You are right that this belongs in the Lavender Room.
I would think the quote came from when Jefferson was president and we were fighting the Barbary Pirates who were Muslim, on "the Shores of Tripoli."
BTW--I have always been taught the majority of the founding fathers were "Deists," not Christians. That is why they refer to a "Creator" but not Jesus. Also, it is often wrong to read something one "founder" said and assume that thought applies to all of them. For example, Jefferson and Hamilton differed greatly on the topic of weak vs. strong central government.
Is there a way to move this thread to the Lavender Room (my bad for starting it here)?
You may be right about the attribution and context of the quotes, as I said, I am not certain of their specific origin. With respect to the latter part of your second paragraph, I was not attempting to attribute this thought to anyone other than Jefferson. I just thought it was an interesting sentiment given the current "state of your nation" so to speak.
"... no child left behind..." Love that piece of crap from the man!
From that, apparently, my kids' school district was supposed to receive $19 million from the Fed. It never came, causing the district to lay off teachers and increase class sizes to 35 (from 20). A grass roots campaign ensued that raised enough private money to keep the 20 to 1 ratio for 1st through 3rd grade.
The district superintendent just sent Bush a symbolic invoice for the promised, but never received money.
Oops! and to the Lavender Room this may teleport. Proud member of FISHTWITCH: doing a bit more than fish exercise now.