If, therefore, our so-called lawmakers really have that right of arbitrary, irresponsible dominion over us, which they claim to have, and which they habitually exercise, it must be because they own us as property.
He suggests that if lawmakers have dominion over people, it implies ownership akin to property.
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More from Lysander Spooner
The will, or the pretended will, of the majority, is the last lurking place of tyranny at the present day.
What else than ignorance of the law is it that excuses persons under the years of discretion, and men of imbecile minds?
It was a principle of the Common Law, as it is of the law of nature, and of common sense, that no man can be taxed without his personal consent.
In this manner all unjust laws are established, and made operative against the rights of the people.