We, unlike Nazi Germany or Mussolini's Italy, have never stopped being a nation of laws, not of men. But witness how men with motives and a majority can manipulate law to cruel and unjust ends.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker contrasts America with dictators but warns majorities can still abuse laws.
- In plain terms
- Laws are good but people can use them for bad things.
- What can you take from it?
- Laws can be used by majorities to oppress.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we stop law abuse?
- Can laws ever be neutral?
Another view
It overlooks how minority rule can also abuse laws.
More from Robert Byrd
To contemplate war is to think about the most horrible of human experiences.
Permalink to quote #23 I love to serve. I love the Senate. I love the Constitution. If I could live another hundred years, I'd like to continue in the Senate.
Permalink to quote #25 This war is not necessary; we are truly sleepwalking through history.
Permalink to quote #22
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