George Mason — American Statesman born on December 11, 1725, died on October 07, 1792

George Mason was a Virginia planter, politician, and a delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787, one of three men who refused to sign. His writings, including substantial portions of the Fairfax Resolves of 1774, the Virginia Declaration of Rights of 1776, and his Objections to this Constitution of Government in opposition to ratification of the constitution, have been a significant influence on political thought and events. The Virginia Declaration of Rights served as a basis for the United States Bill of Rights, of which he has been deemed the father... (wikipedia)

We came equals into this world, and equals shall we go out of it.
All men are by nature born equally free and independent.
As nations can not be rewarded or punished in the next world they must be in this.
A few years' experience will convince us that those things which at the time they happened we regarded as our greatest misfortunes have proved our greatest blessings.
I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people except for a few public officials.