Lysander Spooner: “And this rule is, that the language of statutes and constitutions shall be construed, as nearly as possible…”

For all these reasons, they are not only modest and sensible, but really frank, honest, and honorable villains, contrasted with these courts of injustice, and the lawmakers by whom these courts are established.

They do not attempt to deceive us, or mislead us, or reconcile us to their doings, by any such pretences, impostures, or insults as these.

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.

On the contrary, they acknowledge themselves robbers, murderers, and villains, pure and simple.