John Locke Quote

"Tis a Mistake to think this Fault [tyranny] is proper only to Monarchies; other Forms of Government are liable to it, as well as that. For where-ever the Power that is put in any hands for the Government of the People, and the Preservation of their Properties, is applied to other ends, and made use of to impoverish, harass, or subdue them to the Arbitrary and Irregular Commands of those that have it: There it presently becomes Tyranny, whether those that thus use it are one or many."

by:	John Locke (1632-1704) English philosopher and political theorist
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Categories:	Democracy, Despotism, Government, Monarchy, Power, Property, Rights, Tyranny, Usurpation, Subjugate
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This is an apt description of our "Democracy" and the use of the IRS to these ends - To Impoverish and Control. So much for the Land of the Free.  -- J Carlton, Calgary      1
The statist theocracy that now infests this land (a form of government not merely liable to tyranny but rather, a mother of all tyranny's promotions - not being a representative republic of, by or for We The People) does allow its helots, serfs, and slaves the facade of choosing their tyrannous despots (jailers). The many that participate in said unlawful / unconstitutional statist theocracy, for what ever reason, support the loss of property rights, and promote the impoverishment, harassment, and inferior slave status of Arbitrary and Irregular Commandments.  -- Mike, Norwalk      2
Why we Americans feel the need to prove that the majority can make liars into Presidents, and thieves into Congressmen I cannot understand. Would it not have been better to take Locke's word for it?  -- Justin, Elkland      3
J summed it up perfectly.  -- jim k, Austin,Tx
John Locke is still my favorite. Locke was an inspiration for the very Constitution that the criminals in Washington disregard.  -- Anonymous      1
Wise and noble statesmen will not always be at the helm. Our Constitution was written by a wise generation that kept this in mind. They inserted within it numerous checks in which We the People could ensure the government remains one of justice. But justice in the life and conduct of the state is only possible if it first resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens. Any faults in our present situation are due to our own neglect and ignorance of the responsibilities of liberty and self government. We must be advocates of justice. We must study the history of liberty; the circumstances of its life and the causes of its death. We must spread this doctrine through every media at our disposal for every ear to hear, eye to see, and heart to believe. We must defend our rights against anything that wishes to invade them. This is our primary duty as free citizens. To pass this task to the government is to ensure its failure and promote the reign of tyranny. When this time comes, liberty will exist only as a distant and distorted memory.  -- Publius      2
Our Constitution, once so precious, is heading for the dustbin of history. Sad times in American History. Semper Fidelis.  -- bruski, naples FL
We as a people, can never forget the war that divided this Nation. History before and after tells the story of today. God's natural Laws are magnified. " The law becomes perverted when it punishes one's right to self-defence ( of his life, liberty and property ) in favor of another's right to " Legalized Plunder ". Bastiat. justice denied the individual.  -- Ronw13, Yachats Or      1
"Government is a disease masquerading as it's own cure". L. Neal Smith.  -- Jim k, Austin      2
It remains unquestionably true that: " Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built on the bowers of the ruins of paradise." ~ Tom Paine " Common Sense " - 1776  -- Patrick Henry, Red Hill      1
Seems to be an eternal truth.  Perhaps the people are ready for another renaissance?  -- E Archer, NYC

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