Monday, June 04, 2012

Another great quote from James Madison

June 6, 1788:  Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe 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; but, on a candid examination of history, we shall find that turbulence, violence, and abuse of power, by the majority trampling on the rights of the minority, have produced factions and commotions, which, in republics, have, more frequently than any other cause, produced despotism. If we go over the whole history of ancient and modern republics, we shall find their destruction to have generally resulted from those causes.
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1 comment:

  1. 44June 4, 2012 at 12:05 PM

    Political and judicial power is like bearing a weapon. A healthy respect for its destructive potential along with an understanding of its limited use is requisite. Sadly, big government social progressives have reduced representative government to a cinematic bloviating melee.

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