Solely because these governments have all--or at least so many of them as Trimble had in his mind--been despotic and tyrannical; and have claimed for themselves all power, and denied to the people all rights.
Lysander Spooner: “Solely because these governments have all--or at least so many of them as Trimble had in his mind--been despotic and…”
Editor's note · Context
He critiques governments for being despotic and claiming absolute power while denying rights to the people.
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When they have once taken our money, they have the decency to get out of our sight as soon as possible; they do not persist in following us, and robbing us, again and again, so long as we produce anything that they can take from us.
They do not tell us that we are the freest and happiest people on earth, inasmuch as each of our male adults is allowed one voice in ten millions in the choice of the men, who are to rob, enslave, and murder us.
They do not carry their heads high, above all other men, and demand our reverence and admiration, as statesmen, patriots, and benefactors.
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.