During the last 100 years, the House of Lords has never contributed one iota to popular liberties or popular freedom, or done anything to advance the common weal; but during that time it has protected every abuse and sheltered every privilege.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The House of Lords historically hindered liberty and protected privilege rather than advancing common welfare. Its record shows consistent opposition to popular freedom.
- In plain terms
- The House of Lords blocked freedom and protected privileges instead of helping people.
- What can you take from it?
- Hold institutions accountable for protecting privilege over public good.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What institutions truly serve the public?
- How do we measure legislative value?
Another view
It attributes all failure to one body without acknowledging broader political contexts.
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