All these things prove that the government does not exist at all for the protection of men's rights; but that it absolutely denies to the people any rights, or any liberty, whatever, except such as it shall see fit to permit them to have for the time being.
Spooner contends that the government exists not to protect rights but to deny them, except when convenient.
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On the contrary, they acknowledge themselves robbers, murderers, and villains, pure and simple.
They do not carry their heads high, above all other men, and demand our reverence and admiration, as statesmen, patriots, and benefactors.
They neither ask, nor expect, any mercy, if they should ever fall into the hands of honest men.
They do not tell us of the almshouses, hospitals, schools, churches, etc., which, out of the purest charity and benevolence, they maintain for our benefit, out of the money they take from us.