We the people of the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do see that in today's world the Federal Government has not led our citizens justly and with honor. We therefore as free men and women of our great commonwealth do believe that it is time to take matter upon ourselves to ensure our continued freedom, and to enact our own laws and here buy govern ourselves without the federal government's involvement in our internal matters from this day forward.
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin: 1775