William Graham Sumner Quote

"The type and formula of most schemes of philanthropy or humanitarianism is this: A and B put their heads together to decide what C shall be made to do for D. The radical vice of all these schemes, from a sociological point of view, is that C is not allowed a voice in the matter, and his position, character, and interests, as well as the ultimate effects on society through C's interests, are entirely overlooked. I call C the Forgotten Man."

by:	William Graham Sumner (1840-1910) American classical liberal (now a branch of "libertarianism" in political philosophy), social scientist, professor of sociology, polymath
Source:	William Graham Sumner's Essay, "The Forgotten Man" http://www.blupete.com/Literature/Essays/Best/SumnerForgotten.htm
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Categories:	Authority, Socialism, Statism, Philanthropy, Humanitarian, Vice
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"C" would be America's middle class, who are being torn down to bring "D" up to their level. While "A&B" are in criminal compliance to ruin "C", because they see "C" as a threat to the Globalist agenda. In the new Utopia there will be no middle class...just rulers and sheep. (Yes we can, Yes we can, Yes we can)  -- J Carlton, Calgary      6
Yes, C not only has to support A&B who look down on him, but must also support D which will bring C down to D's level.  -- cal, lewisville, tx      5
As I see it today, A and B are the Republicans and the Democrats. They are both sides of the same coin.  -- jim k, Austin, Tx      4
Sumner always writes like an idiot to me. Here he obviously has never heard of democracy where ABCDEFG etc all vote and where all of them adhere to the outcome. It would appear that he would prefer chaos where each just does their own thing and turns a blind to every one else. He would prefer no human organization whatsoever. No such society has ever or will exist. It is anathema to society.  -- Waffler, Smith      6
Actually Waffler, perhaps he understood all too well that "Democracy" doesn't work for anyone but the entrenched system. It's the "illusion" that your vote somehow makes a difference...it doesn't. The result of "Democracy" these days is that the poor can vote the hard working down to their level...great system, if you are a communist, I suppose.  -- J Carlton, Calgary      6
True philanthropy can only be so when it is voluntarily given from private resourses; in other words, true charity. If is comes from taxes, or some other form of forced collection then it is what is referred to as "legal plunder." Regardless of who is doing the forcing whether it is A or B or C or whoever; whether is is voting or action taken by legislators usurping authority they do not have the result is the same. It is stealing. Read Bastiat; he explains it better than anyone I have read. You cannot force me to be charitable. I must choose to be so of my own free will. Otherwise, I have been robbed.  -- s petersen, springfield, mo      5
Great comments by all except the anti-law socialist Waffler.  -- Mike, Norwalk      5
Hmmm? It seems as if Waffler, Smith believes totally in mob rule and your individual right and choice can take a back seat and allow the mob to steal the fruits of your labor...whether your labor is physical or intellectual.  -- Mary- MI      6
If Waffler gives thumbs down it must be an accurate and true quote, and If you rob Peter to pay Paul, you will always have the support of Paul.  -- jim k, Austin, Tx      6
American politics in a nutshell.  -- E Archer, NYC      3
What Sumner is describing is NOT philanthropy or humanitarianism but government. Philanthropy or humanitarianism is when one person or organization freely decides to give of itself to help others - there is no element of 'forcing others to do anything' about it. By my definition and in reality 'philanthropy' and 'humanitarianism' still have some problems for the recipients of this largess. The givers ALWAYS expect something from those who receive, if nothing more than that the receivers of their largess turn into the sort of people that the givers think they should be.  -- TheMANwithNOName, Tampon, FL      2
TheMANwithNOName, an accurate assessment. The problem with giving with an expectation is, it is not giving, it is exchanging. Giving (philanthropy and humanitarianism) is a gift, free of strings.  -- Mike, Norwalk      5
Voices from the Bloody cities as Waffler's, they thrive on legal plunder, for without it they would fall from decay ! Mercy looks for nothing in return, happiness is its reward. " The lips of the righteous Know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh forwardness." Pro 10:32. Usury is forbidden, when dealing with those AT Liberty, less you be in a strange land, filled with corruption and liars. Such are the socialist and communist reprobates inhabiting both parties, and the " Round Room."  -- Ronw13, Oregon      2
The 'Forgotten Man' indeed.  I'm surprised Sillick didn't chime in on this one as he is a classic A&B man...  -- E Archer, NYC
No one forgets the man  who never forgets W = f s  -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

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