The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, read more

The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws.

Far more important to me is, that I should be loyal to what I regard as the law of my read more

Far more important to me is, that I should be loyal to what I regard as the law of my political life, which is this: a belief that that country is best governed, which is least governed ...

The office of government is not to confer happiness, but to give men the opportunity to work out happiness for read more

The office of government is not to confer happiness, but to give men the opportunity to work out happiness for themselves.

Fear is the foundation of most governments.

Fear is the foundation of most governments.

I am for Peace, for Retrenchment, and for Reform,--thirty years
ago the great watchwords of the great Liberal Party.

I am for Peace, for Retrenchment, and for Reform,--thirty years
ago the great watchwords of the great Liberal Party.

Yesterday the greatest question was decided which was ever
debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor read more

Yesterday the greatest question was decided which was ever
debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be,
decided among men. A resolution was passed without one
dissenting colony, that those United Colonies are, and of right
ought to be, free and independent States.

If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor read more

If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor of today's statecraft.) Instead, read selected portions of the Washington telephone directory containing listings for all the organizations with titles beginning with the word National.

Governments exist to protect the rights of minorities. The loved and the rich need no protection: they have many friends read more

Governments exist to protect the rights of minorities. The loved and the rich need no protection: they have many friends and few enemies.

I'm tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn't work. Of course it doesn't work. We are supposed to work read more

I'm tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn't work. Of course it doesn't work. We are supposed to work it.