James Madison Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"All men having power ought to be mistrusted."

by:	James Madison (1751-1836), Father of the Constitution for the USA, 4th US President
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Categories:	Power, Skepticism, Trust, Usurpation
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Reader comments about this quote:

-- Mike, Norwalk
All humans period... -- Robert, Sarasato
Q: How do you know when a politician lies? A: He speaks. -- Joe, Rochester, MI
How cynical... trust is earned, to simply mistrust (refuse their right to earn trust) due to holding power is just another example of fear mongering rather than looking at the facts of each case. -- Anonymous, Reston, VA US
Cynical is the right word, Reston. The statement is too general. But just as trust is earned, so can mistrust be earned, as our present leaders have done by never having told the complete truth about anything in all their years of authority. They have earned their mistrust -- Jack, Green, OH
In the words of Ronald Reagan, "Trust, but verify." In the case of most politicians verify what they DO, not what they SAY. Often their action, or inaction tells you wether or not they can be trusted, and then only in that area. I trust Todd Tiahrt to keep the liberals hand off my guns and sink any attempt at registration (the first step in confiscation). Do I trust him to pick the next USAF Tanker program on it's merits? NO WAY!!! He has to do what needs doing to steer that business to Boeing Wichita regardless of the Airbus' quality. -- Eric, Wichita, KS
Cynical? Talk about ignorance. That's why Madison (and others) wrote the Constitution, so that We The People would reinforce our declaration of Liberty and set the very limited boundaries the government must never exceed. If all men were saints, there would be no need of government. Since the opposite is true, we best not give up our personal power and liberty to politicians who use that power to further their own personal agendas. Too bad we have no statesmen of Madison's caliber today. -- E Archer, NYC
Cynical is the proper way to view humanity given our 5000 odd year track record of "civilization". The most upright, honest, respectable person with the best of intentions will become corrupted with too much power. Our founding fathers were the philosophical children of Locke and Hobbes. Our resident socialists are obviously believers in Rousseau and the "noble savage". -- Ken, Allyn, WA
-- jim k, Austin

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