S5E61 Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.⁠⁠ Such as were inclined to defend themselves

The Chris Abraham Show

Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor by Ben Franklin: "In fine, we have the most sensible Concern for the poor distressed Inhabitants of the Frontiers. We have taken every Step in our Power, consistent with the just Rights of the Freemen of Pennsylvania, for their Relief, and we have Reason to believe, that in the Midst of their Distresses they themselves do not wish us to go farther. Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. Such as were inclined to defend themselves, but unable to purchase Arms and Ammunition, have, as we are informed, been supplied with both, as far as Arms could be procured, out of Monies given by the last Assembly for the King’s Use; and the large Supply of Money offered by this Bill, might enable the Governor to do every Thing else that should be judged necessary for their farther Security, if he shall think fit to accept it. Whether he could, as he supposes, “if his Hands had been properly strengthened, have put the Province into such a Posture of Defence, as might have prevented the present Mischiefs,” seems to us uncertain; since late Experience in our neighbouring Colony of Virginia (which had every Advantage for that Purpose that could be desired) shows clearly, that it is next to impossible to guard effectually an extended Frontier, settled by scattered single Families at two or three Miles Distance, so as to secure them from the insiduous Attacks of small Parties of skulking Murderers: But thus much is certain, that by refusing our Bills from Time to Time, by which great Sums were seasonably offered, he has rejected all the Strength that Money could afford him; and if his Hands are still weak or unable, he ought only to blame himself, or those who have tied them."

In the document "Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor" by Benjamin Franklin, the Assembly addresses the Governor's concerns regarding the protection of the inhabitants of Pennsylvania's frontiers, who were vulnerable to attacks. Franklin argues that the Assembly has done everything within its power to aid these frontier inhabitants, adhering to the principles of liberty and justice that the colony values.

One of the most famous lines from this text is: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Here, Franklin underscores the delicate balance between security and freedom, suggesting that sacrificing fundamental liberties for the sake of temporary safety is a shortsighted and unworthy trade-off.

Franklin further states that they have provided arms and ammunition to those who were willing but unable to defend themselves, using funds previously allocated for the King's use. He challenges the Governor's suggestion that more could have been done if only the Assembly had strengthened the Governor's hands further. Franklin points to the neighboring colony of Virginia as an example, noting that despite Virginia's efforts, it had proven extremely challenging to protect a dispersed frontier population from smaller, mobile groups of attackers.

Finally, Franklin criticizes the Governor for his previous rejections of the Assembly's financial proposals. He argues that any shortcomings in the colony's defenses should be blamed on the Governor himself, or those who have restricted his actions, rather than the Assembly.

In essence, the document serves as a robust defense of the Pennsylvania Assembly's actions and philosophy, making the case that they have acted both practically and ethically in their attempts to safeguard the frontier inhabitants, all while respecting the principles of liberty and justice.

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