[expressing John Locke's view]...whenever anyone threatens any other innocent human in a way that makes manifest an ignorance or disregard read more

[expressing John Locke's view]...whenever anyone threatens any other innocent human in a way that makes manifest an ignorance or disregard of the fundamental equality as regards the right to self-preservation, the creature in human shape who acts in this way is to be treated by any and all other rational humans as a wild, clever, and therefore very dangerous animal, to be destroyed (if necessary) in order to safeguard the rest.

The successful politician owes his power to the fact that he moves within the accepted framework of thought, that he read more

The successful politician owes his power to the fact that he moves within the accepted framework of thought, that he thinks and talks conventionally. It would be almost a contradiction in terms for a politician to be a leader in the field of ideas. His task in a democracy is to find out what the opinions held by the largest number are, not to give currency to new opinions which may become the majority view in some distant future.

The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem, it is generally employed only by small read more

The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem, it is generally employed only by small children and large nations.

Never befriend the oppressed unless you are prepared to take on the oppressor.

Never befriend the oppressed unless you are prepared to take on the oppressor.

Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.

Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.

The foundation of justice is good faith.

The foundation of justice is good faith.

For every prohibition you create you also create an underground.

For every prohibition you create you also create an underground.

Politics is the art of the possible.

Politics is the art of the possible.