I came across a quote that seems so timely, yet was made more than 200 years ago. I am amazed at how often the best outcomes require getting back to the basic values. Those who would serve us are those who are quickest to betray us and our common vision.

Thomas Jefferson wrote, “I place economy among the first and important virtues, and public debt as the greatest of dangers. To preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our choice between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude. If we can prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.”

Would this not make Bill Clinton one of our greatest protectors of our freedoms? Would it also make the combined Bushes, both father and son, the greatest threats to our freedoms?

If terrorism is defined as the insidious erosion of our freedoms then Jefferson’s thought might be considered a new definition of terrorism – a yardstick by which all politicians should be measured.

When will we hold those who serve us accountable for their actions?

James Hagen, Auburn