On the record
Crimes so convenient, crimes so politic, crimes so necessary, crimes so alleviating of distress, can never be wanting to those who use no process, and who produce no proofs.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “Crimes so convenient, crimes so politic, crimes so necessary, crimes so alleviating of distress, can never be wanting to…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke warns about the ease with which justifications for political crimes can be fabricated, emphasizing the need for accountability.
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More from Edmund Burke
Jan 1, 1790
Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.
Jan 1, 1790
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
Jan 1, 1790
Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.
Jan 1, 1790
They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
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