Edmund Burke: “They may be even put under the direction of those whom they were…”

On the record

They may be even put under the direction of those whom they were appointed to punish.

Said by

Edmund Burke

Source

Burke highlights the danger of those appointed to punish being controlled by those they oversee.

More from Edmund Burke

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

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

Jan 1, 1790

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

Jan 1, 1790

Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.

Other voices in this conversation

Edmund Burke: “They may be even put under the direction of those whom they were appointed to punish.”