Do you believe in omens?

[Stinky The Clown]

George Mason University is the darling of the round ball set for their showing in the current tourney.

But does anyone know who the university's namesake is?

In addition to being one of the actual Founding Fathers of our country, he is also considered the Father of the Bill of Rights.

The omen? George Mason Uniiversity rises from obscurity to stardom. Can a resugence in adherence to the principles set out by the first George Mason be far behind?

Its an omen, I tell ya .... an omen.



http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/B/gmason/gmasxx.htm

[atommom]

1. He foresaw the dangers. I wish more of our leaders had.

At Philadelphia in 1787 Mason was one of the five most frequent speakers at the Constitutional Convention. He exerted great influence, but during the last 2 weeks of the convention he decided not to sign the document.

Mason's refusal prompts some surprise, especially since his name is so closely linked with constitutionalism. He explained his reasons at length, citing the absence of a declaration of rights as his primary concern. He then discussed the provisions of the Constitution point by point, beginning with the House of Representatives. The House he criticized as not truly representative of the nation, the Senate as too powerful. He also claimed that the power of the federal judiciary would destroy the state judiciaries, render justice unattainable, and enable the rich to oppress and ruin the poor. These fears led Mason to conclude that the new government was destined to either become a monarchy or fall into the hands of a corrupt, oppressive aristocracy.

Two of Mason's greatest concerns were incorporated into the Constitution. The Bill of Rights answered his primary objection, and the 11th amendment addressed his call for strictures on the judiciary.

[donco6]

4. Thanks, this is good.

And fitting!

[BrklynLiberal]

2. I sure hope so. Here's hoping they win it all!

[GeorgeGist]

3. Go Patriots /nt

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

5. Everyone Knows Who Is An Alumni, Right?

KKK Rove is from there.

[Stinky The Clown]

6. If he went there, all he can clasim is to be a 'former student'

Freddie FatAss doesn't have a degree.

[waiting for hope]

7. Here's a gem:

Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, Dec. 10, 1948)

Preamble

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Snip

http://www.gunstonhall.org/documents/udhr.html

I am so lucky to have him in my family tree! :)