I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. – James Madison, speech, Virginia Convention, 1788

The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment; but it is no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy. – John F. Kennedy

Here in America we are descended in spirit from revolutionists and rebels – men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. – Dwight D. Eisenhower, address, Columbia University, 31 May 1954