Political Quotes

On the record
Here are men from the ancient Democracy, believing that any democracy must be a name only, no better than sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, which does not recognize on every occasion the supremacy of Human Rights, and is not ready to do and to suffer in their behalf.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner critiques the inadequacies of a democracy that fails to prioritize human rights, emphasizing their fundamental importance.

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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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They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.

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More precious far at that moment the consolation that he had labored for his fellow-men, and the joyous confidence that all his cares had helped the Progress of his race!

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