Abridgment of Freedom By Aaron Spuler | May 20, 2011 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 to the Virginia Ratifying Convention June 16, 1788 FacebookTwitterMoreEmailLinkedInPinterestPocketPrintRedditTelegramTumblrWhatsApp