Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: Public debts, which at first were a security to governments, by interesting many in the public tranquillity, are likely…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1790
Public debts, which at first were a security to governments, by interesting many in the public tranquillity, are likely in their excess to become the means of their subversion.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke observes that while public debts initially secure governments by aligning interests, excessive debt can ultimately lead to their downfall.

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