Quote#Homeland
The poor man who takes property by force is called a thief, but the…
Quote byWilliam Jennings Bryan · 1860–1925
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Principal Speech Against Unconditional Repeal (16 August 1893).
English (original)
The poor man who takes property by force is called a thief, but the creditor who can by legislation make a debtor pay a dollar twice as large as he borrowed is lauded as the friend of a sound currency. The man who wants the people to destroy the Government is an anarchist, but the man who wants the Government to destroy the people is a patriot.
— William Jennings Bryan
More from William Jennings Bryan
There is no more menacing feature in these modern times than the disinclination of what are called the better classes to assume the burdens of citizenship.
a good government doubles every joy and a bad government multiplies every sorrow.
Success is brought by continued labor and continued watchfulness. We must struggle on, not for one moment hesitate, nor take one backward step.
Our definition of patriotism is often too narrow. Shall the lover of his country measure his loyalty only by his service as a soldier?
No government can long endure unless its citizens are willing to make some sacrifice for its existence.
While human government exists the tendency to abuse power will remain.