H. L. Richardson Quote

“When a legislature decides to steal some of our rights and plans to use police force to accomplish it, what's the real difference between them and the thief? Darn little! They hide behind the excuse that they're legislating democratically. The fact they do it by a majority vote has no moral significance whatsoever. Numerical might does not constitute right, no more than a lynch mob can justify its act because a majority participated.”

~ H. L. Richardson

Compromise ... Never Justified When Principle Is Involved, The Gun Owners, December, 1995.

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

We hold this truth to be self evident. The only disagreement I have with the quote is the "Darn Little!" The difference is huge. When the criminal uses deadly force (police = a standing army of de facto despotism) to accomplish its grand theft, and otherwise slavery, the crime is elevated to a near capital offense.

J Carlton, Calgary

Both the Democrats and the Republicans are guilty of being "legalists" and have lost all sense of nobility as well as respect for individual rights as defined in our founding principles.

Elaine, Atlanta

What gets to me is they continue to do things that the majority of their constitutents do not want because they think they know what is better for us then we do. That is just an excuse to do what they want.

Dr. Tom LaMar, Keeseville, NY

When I listen to speeches by Ron Paul, as in the last POTUS debates, all I hear is applause in the background; none for most of what the others say, as I do today. He may be our last chance, and Kucinich may fade faster if they get rid of his seat (was he napping; too bad, she would make a great first lady). Lord Acton rolling in his grave on this one !

jim k, Austin,Tx

The difference between a thief and a politician is simple. A thief goes to jail when he steals from you and a politician gets reelected.

Anonymous
  • Reply
Anonymous    3/29/11

The politician and their masters get paid and big bonuses for stealing from the people but if you dare tell the truth you are sent to prison and tortured - yes we live in a wonderful country...

E Archer, NYC

Excellent!! A republican form of government with democratic principals must be held in check by the natural born rights of the individual citizens. No majority can vote away the rights of others -- that is absoltely contrary to the charter which established the government of a free people.

@

Get a Quote-a-Day!

Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box daily.