Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: And indeed how is it possible? when those who are to make the laws, to guard, to enforce, or to obey them, are, by a…

On the record
And indeed how is it possible? when those who are to make the laws, to guard, to enforce, or to obey them, are, by a tacit confederacy of manners, indisposed to the spirit of all generous and noble institutions.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke questions the feasibility of noble governance when lawmakers and enforcers lack the spirit of generosity and integrity.

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