Notable Quote: Frederic Bastiat - The advantages of Plunder, Without Its Risk or Disgrace - Granite Grok

Notable Quote: Frederic Bastiat – The advantages of Plunder, Without Its Risk or Disgrace

Bastiat, Frederic BastiatThe oppressor no longer acts directly and with his own powers upon his victim.  No, our discretion has become too refined for that.  The tyrant and his victim are still present, but there is an Government intermediate person between them, which is the Government–that is, the Law itself.

What can be better calculated to silence our scruples, and, which is perhaps better appreciated, to overcome all resistance?

We all, therefore, put in our claim under some pretext or other, and apply to Government.  We say to it, I am dissatisfied at the proportion between my labor and my enjoyments.  I should like, for the sake of restoring the desired equilibrium, to take part of the possessions of others.  But this would be dangerous.  Could not you facilitate the thing for me?

Could you not find me a good place? or check the industry of my competitors? or, perhaps, lend me gratuitously some capital, which you may take from its possessor?  Could you not bring up my children at the public expense? or grant me some subsidies? or secure my pension when I have attained my 50th year?

By this means I shall gain my end with easy conscience, for the law will have acted for me, and I shall have all the advantages of plunder, without its risk or disgrace.

>