Lie Pie Title: The Misquotable Thomas Jefferson
Lie Pie Classification: lie pie classic

Editor's Note:  The only thing I love more than an abused Thomas Jefferson quote is one that is entirely fabricated!  --Granny, 1/6/09

WATCH YOUR STEP:  STEAMING VIRAL EMAIL B.S. STARTS HERE

Thomas Jefferson could be called a prophet.

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.
--Thomas Jefferson   (99.9% correct!  See #4 for context.)

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
--Thomas Jefferson  (Sorry, honey!)

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
--Thomas Jefferson    (Yes he did!)

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
--Thomas Jefferson   (As close to correct as you can get!)

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
--Thomas Jefferson  (Or not!)

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
--Thomas Jefferson  (Yes, he said it!)

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
--Thomas Jefferson  (Sorry, but no.)

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
--Thomas Jefferson  (Yes, he said it!)

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
--Thomas Jefferson  (Very close!  From the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which should be required reading for everyone.)

Very Interesting Quote
In light of the present financial crisis, it's  interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.  (So sorry, honey, but no.)