That is why American law guarantees a republican form of government -- not a democracy, as the mob would simply vote to lay claim to the property of the wealthier minority. As well, the law is supposed to protect the common man from the rich and powerful by holding the rights of the individual above the corporation and the state.

I hear no prejudice in this quote. It is neither anti-environment nor fascist. I am sure that the same sentiment was shared by Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, Franklin, and a host of others. The prejudice in the negative feedback above seems to be towards Welch himself rather than the words in this quote.