In the course of my twenty years career as an assailant of special privilege, I have attacked pretty nearly every important interest in America. The statements I have made, if false, would have been enough to deprive me of a thousand times all the property I ever owned, and to have sent me to prison for a thousand times a normal man's life. I have been called a liar on many occasions, needless to say; but never once in all these twenty years has one of my enemies ventured to bring me into a court of law, and to submit the issue between us to a jury of American citizens.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author claims that attacking special privilege for twenty years has not led to legal action despite threats to his property and liberty.
- In plain terms
- He attacked special interests but was never sued.
- What can you take from it?
- Truthful accusations can withstand attacks.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle accusations?
- What protects truth from power?
Another view
Lack of lawsuits does not prove all claims are true.
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