Boxes of Liberty

I recently read a certain quote for the first time; I thought that it was very elegant. When you can distill an idea or course of action in so very few and memorable words, then I think you have accomplished a literary feat, few have attained.  Winston Churchill, I believe was a master of such things, as well as Mark Twain.

This is the quote that made me drop my jaw.

There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: Soap, Ballot, Jury, and Ammo. Please use in that order. --Ed Howdershelt, UT Arlingon, 1971.

Upon further research it appears that he was a fan of Fredrick Douglas:

A man's rights rest in three boxes. The ballot box, jury box and the cartridge box. --1867

Later, it seems, that Libertarians found or realized a fifth box in 2008.

Among an individual’s innumerable rights, a critical few directly defend the others. You should recognize, appreciate and exercise these defensive rights, without which you will eventually lose the rest. The United States Constitution mentions at least five defensive rights, easily remembered under the mnemonic "The Five Boxes of Liberty." They are:

1. The Moving Box—right of association, in particular territorially via migration
2. The Soap Box—right of free speech
3. The Ballot Box—right to a voice in your government
4. The Jury Box—right to a trial by jury of your peers
5. The Ammunition Box—right to threaten or use appropriate violence in self-defense

Obviously this last one is not quite as elegant as the former two, but the moving box is a form of defense against tyranny. In other words, if you don't like it somewhere, then you can move. This is another reason why federal laws should be limited. State laws can vary and offer alternatives for individuals. If federal law is passed then there is no escape.

Currently the first three are being used extensively, the fourth is known and used by only a very small and informed groups. It's called jury nullification. The last box is known, but discouraged. However, if things get bad enough, I wouldn't be against it. History has shown, that those in power are not moved unless forced to move.