What force the words of
Virgee Queens
with tribute gone, and
King withdrawn?
Still, petty lords aim trash
at Gods
and ply the beast with
loathsome dues.
Then filled with spite, all turn
and bite.
Theirs not to love, but feast
and drudge.
[ triplespeak :: the human condition ]
FSF :: Nuclear Files :: OLL :: FB :: Parecon :: TOR :: Democracy Now :: POG :: Jeremy :: Nat
“But what reason is there for the existence of government? Why abdicate one's own liberty, one's own initiative in favor of other individuals? Why give them the power to be the masters, with or against the wish of each, to dispose of the forces of all in their own way? Are the governors such exceptionally gifted men as to enable them, with some show of reason, to represent the masses and act in the interests of all men better than all men would be able to act for themselves? Are they so infallible and incorruptible that one can confide to them, with any semblance of prudence, the fate of each and all, trusting to their knowledge and goodness?
And even if there existed men of infinite goodness and knowledge, even if we assume what has never happened in history and what we believe could never happen, namely, that the government might devolve upon the ablest and best, would the possession of government power add anything to their beneficent influence? Would it not rather paralyze or destroy it? For those who govern find it necessary to occupy themselves with things which they do not understand, and, above all, to waste the greater part of their energy in keeping themselves in power, striving to satisfy their friends, holding the discontented in check, and mastering the rebellious.”
-- Errico Malatesta
