2003-05-22 - Arbitrary Power
"Let us consider, my lords, that arbitrary power has seldom or never been introduced into a country at once. It must be introduced by slow degrees, and, as it were, step by step, lest the people should see it approach. The barriers and fences of the people's liberty must be plucked up one by one, and some plausible pretense must be found for removing or hoodwinking, one after another, those sentries who are posted by the constitution of a free country, for warning the people of their danger. When these preparatory steps are once made, the people may then, indeed, with regret, see slavery and arbitrary power making long strides over their land; but it will be too late to think of preventing or avoiding the impending ruin."
Lord Erskine, 1792 (Defending Thomas Paine in London)
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