William F. Buckley, Jr. Quote

"We are so concerned to flatter
the majority that we lose sight
of how very often it is necessary,
in order to preserve freedom
for the minority,
let alone for the individual,
to face that majority down."

by:	William F. Buckley, Jr. (1925-2008) American author and journalist, founded 'National Review'
Source:	The Jeweler’s Eye, 1968
Rating:
Categories:	Civil Rights, Conformity, Democracy, Freedom, Government, Individual Rights, Justice, Law, Liberty, Rights, Truth
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-- gdgca
-- jim k, austin
In the South we have traditionally reversed that logic. To face down the majority was to be a n#$%&@ lover. And to desire to give freedom or rights to minority individuals was anathema. The conservatives in the US used this phenomenon to form their Southern strategy and thus put a pretty good lock on the office of President.  -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas      2
You might want to update your database of quotes. You cite: "William F. Buckley, Jr. (1925 - )", indicating he's still alive and kicking. Last I checked, the only thing this Great American kicked was the Buckley Bucket - 27 February 2008. Please update your citations.  -- Anonymous      1
Thanks, Anonymous, we have updated our database with Buckley's year of death. Cheers.  -- Editor, Liberty Quotes      1
Flattering the majority and losing sight of minority and individual rights is often motivated by fear (of rejection, imprisonment, etc.) That is but one reason why compelled compliance, victimless crimes, license, larceny, injustice, a corrupt executive, legislative, judicial, and media are so well accepted. For those so inclined, I would ask, how or why do you side with the majority in supporting the prosecution, persecution and otherwise victimization of individuals that act at true law and justice, infringing on no-one's right or harm nobody or no thing?  -- Mike, Norwalk      2
It is dangerous to be right when the majority is wrong, and yet, no progress has ever been made that did not challenge the status quo. That being said, just because one is in the minority does not make him right, but then there is nothing wrong with individual opinions, only to judge their verity by the numbers of those who share them.  -- E Archer, NYC      2
It is more dangerous to be right when the minority is wrong. Waffler quit it.  -- warren, olathe
This good quote is a good example of the rule that words are not responsible for their source.  -- Dick, Fort Worth      1
Quit what this time may I ask?  -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas
What a wonderful pro-choice sentiment...  -- Anonymous, Reston, VA US      1
That ignorant crap that conservatives/republicans are racists.  -- warren, olathe      1
No one's rights are safe if they are subject to the passions of the majority. If the consumers vote away the property of the producers, production will come to an end, and everyone will starve.  -- E Archer, NYC      2
-- Mary-MI
-- jim k, Austin
Pro-choice? By pro-choice, do you mean the rights of individuals to choose actions all the way up to the space of your nose? OR, is your reference to the macabre death cults' choice of human sacrifice to the gods of pleasure and life style?  -- Mike, Norwalk

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