On the record
At present, what you require under the name of Freedom is nothing but unlimited power to oppress.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner critiques the concept of freedom as it was understood in his time, suggesting it was a guise for oppression.
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They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
Above all, welcome to the united regenerated Democracy of the North, which spurns the mockery of a Republic, with professions of Freedom on the lips, while the chains of Slavery clank in the Capitol!
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