If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor of today's statecraft.) Instead, read selected portions of the Washington telephone directory containing listings for all the organizations with titles beginning with the word National.
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Government is a kind of legalized pillage.
Government is a kind of legalized pillage.
The worst thing in this world, next to anarchy, is government.
The worst thing in this world, next to anarchy, is government.
Yet if thou didst but know how little wit governs this mighty
universe.
Yet if thou didst but know how little wit governs this mighty
universe.
The worst government is the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics read more
The worst government is the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression.
In order to rally people, governments need enemies. They want us to be afraid, to hate, so we will rally read more
In order to rally people, governments need enemies. They want us to be afraid, to hate, so we will rally behind them. And if they do not have a real enemy, they will invent one in order to mobilize us.
Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.
Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.
Must a government be too strong for the liberties of its people or too weak to maintain its own existence?
Must a government be too strong for the liberties of its people or too weak to maintain its own existence?
It's not the voting that's democracy; it's the counting.
It's not the voting that's democracy; it's the counting.
Which government is best? That which teaches us to govern ourselves.
Which government is best? That which teaches us to govern ourselves.
