Political Quotes

On the record
In questions merely political an honest man may stand neuter; but what true heart can be neuter, when the distinct question is put, which we now address to the people of Massachusetts, "Are you for Freedom, or are you for Slavery?
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner challenges the people of Massachusetts to choose between freedom and slavery, highlighting the moral stakes involved.

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Confessing the Fatherhood of God, and the consequent Brotherhood of Man, we find a divine standard of unquestionable accuracy.

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At Baltimore the delegation of the most important State in the Union, known to be in favor of the Wilmot Proviso, was refused admission to the Convention.

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Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.

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In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.

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