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The coercive power of government is always a beacon to those who want to dominate others -- summoning the worst dregs of society to Washington to use that power to impose their will upon others.

Harry Browne

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Harry Browne
Age: 72 †
Born: 1933
Born: June 17
Died: 2006
Died: March 1
Financial Analyst
Peace Activist
Politician
Radio Personality
Writer
New York City
New York
Harry Edson Browne
Upon
Dregs
Use
Beacon
Others
Beacons
Power
Dominate
Government
Impose
Always
Washington
Worst
Summoning
Society
Coercive

More quotes by Harry Browne

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For those looking for security, be forewarned that there's nothing more insecure than a political promise.
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In the 1880s, people all over the world looked to America for inspiration. Its very existence was proof that it was possible to have a relatively free and peaceful country. No income tax, no foreign wars, no welfare state, no intrusions on civil liberties.
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Each person is living for himself his own happiness is all he can ever personally feel.
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Once we realize that government doesn't work, we will stop dreaming that this or that social problem can be solved by passing a law - or by creating a new government program - or by electing someone who will make Washington more efficient or cost-conscious.
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A fair trial is one in which the rules of evidence are honored, the accused has competent counsel, and the judge enforces the proper courtroom procedures - a trial in which every assumption can be challenged.
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But, actually, it is only Americans who say that our freedoms and prosperity are the reason foreigners hate us. If you ask the foreigners, they make it clear that it's America's bullying foreign policy they detest.
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While most people in TV, radio, and the press have treated me wonderfully, some of the most important people want to pretend I don't exist.
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If a law could keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people, there would be virtually no gun crime at all.
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It has long been apparent that many people in the media don't believe you're competent to make your own decisions.
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Give politicians power and it certainly will be abused eventually - if not by today's politicians, then by their successors.
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A welfare state is frightened of every poor person who tries to get in and every rich person who tries to get out.
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You have only one life, and no one else will live it for you. Shouldn't you take the time right now to figure out what that life is all about?
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It isn't possible to give government just a little control over the economy and our lives. Once we cede that power to government, it uses the power to take more from us. That's why every year the government controls more of our lives.
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Left-wing politicians take away your liberty in the name of children and of fighting poverty, while right-wing politicians do it in the name of family values and fighting drugs. Either way, government gets bigger and you become less free.
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Some people object to libertarian ideas because there are too many irresponsible people in the world - people who will cause trouble if the government doesn't restrain them.
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When you know that you're capable of dealing with whatever comes, you have the only security the world has to offer.
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So what is government?... Very simply, it is an agency of coercion. Of course, there are other agencies of coercion - such as the Mafia. So to be more precise, government is the agency of coercion that has flags in front of its offices.
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We may not always recognize it, but government plays a bigger role in our lives than any other single person or institution. We spend nearly half of our lives working to pay for it. Children spend more time in government schools than they do with their parents. Birth, death, marriage, every area of our lives feels the influence of government.
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I have no temptation to vote, to campaign, to try and stop a candidate who promises new follies.
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Politicians are notoriously economically illiterate. And even when they know what would be the right thing, we don't really expect them to do it.
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