When Thomas Jefferson said that “people get the government they deserve,” it was more than just a clever turn of phrase. It also was not an isolated insight but a timeless truth, one expressed by many. William Cowper said,
“When was public virtue to be found when private was not?”
Benjamin Franklin stated,
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
Truth be known, I could probably fill a book with the words of wise ones who have spoken in kind. But, you know, I understand this principle well. I know that people get the government they deserve; what bothers me is that I’m going to get the government they deserve.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
http://www.therealitycheck.org/GuestColumnist/sduke060507.htm
by Selwyn Duke
When Thomas Jefferson said that “people get the government they deserve,” it was more than just a clever turn of phrase. It also was not an isolated insight but a timeless truth, one expressed by many. William Cowper said,
“When was public virtue to be found when private was not?”
Benjamin Franklin stated,
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
Truth be known, I could probably fill a book with the words of wise ones who have spoken in kind. But, you know, I understand this principle well. I know that people get the government they deserve; what bothers me is that I’m going to get the government they deserve.