Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “Think of an English governor tried before you as a British subject, and yet declaring that he governed on the principles…”

On the record
Think of an English governor tried before you as a British subject, and yet declaring that he governed on the principles of arbitrary power!
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke challenges the legitimacy of a governor claiming to rule by arbitrary power while being judged as a British subject.

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Jan 1, 1790

If any of them should happen to propose a scheme of liberty soberly limited, and defined with proper qualifications, he will be immediately outbid by his competitors, who will produce something more splendidly popular.

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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.

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Jan 1, 1790

But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.

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Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

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