On the record
Do they not now--at least so far as you will permit them to do it--grow their own food, build their own houses, make their own clothing, print their own books?
Said by
Lysander Spooner
Source
gutenberg.orgLysander Spooner: “Do they not now--at least so far as you will permit them to do it--grow their own food, build their own houses, make…”
Editor's note · Context
Spooner emphasizes the self-sufficiency of citizens in producing their own necessities.
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More from Lysander Spooner
They do not tell us that they have established infallible supreme courts, to whom they refer all questions as to the legality of their acts, and that they do nothing that is not sanctioned by these courts.
They do not tell us that we are the freest and happiest people on earth, inasmuch as each of our male adults is allowed one voice in ten millions in the choice of the men, who are to rob, enslave, and murder us.
They do not tell us of the almshouses, hospitals, schools, churches, etc., which, out of the purest charity and benevolence, they maintain for our benefit, out of the money they take from us.
They do not carry their heads high, above all other men, and demand our reverence and admiration, as statesmen, patriots, and benefactors.