On the record
I repeat that both the national and State governments have constantly denied the natural right of individuals to make their own contracts.
Said by
Lysander Spooner
Source
gutenberg.orgLysander Spooner: “I repeat that both the national and State governments have constantly denied the natural right of individuals to make…”
Editor's note · Context
This statement reflects Spooner's assertion that both national and state governments infringe on individual rights to contract.
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More from Lysander Spooner
In short, they acknowledge themselves hostes humani generis: enemies of the human race.
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 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.