Political Quotes

On the record
I do not like to be arraigned by some who can get up handsomely rounded periods, and deal in rhetoric, and talk about abstract ideas of Liberty, who never perilled life, liberty, or property.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner critiques those who speak eloquently about liberty without having truly risked anything for it.

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Out of this pernicious prejudice have proceeded that persecution and neglect which are the too frequent lot of the world's pioneers.

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Without yielding to any of these extreme views with regard to the mischiefs or the benefits of party, all should agree that the only true and legitimate object of such an association is to uphold, advance, and develop certain principles…

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They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.

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Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.

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