Charles Sumner: “At present, what you require under the name of Freedom is nothing but…”

On the record

At present, what you require under the name of Freedom is nothing but unlimited power to oppress.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

Sumner critiques the concept of freedom as it was understood in his time, suggesting it was a guise for oppression.

More from Charles Sumner

Consent of the governed necessary in forming new governments of, XII. 298.

His loyalty to the Declaration of Independence, XIX. 317.

Opening of United States courts to colored, XI. 389.

Contrary to Christianity, but upheld by the Church, I. 54, 58.

Other voices in this conversation

Charles Sumner: “At present, what you require under the name of Freedom is nothing but unlimited power to oppress.”