Although men are born free, and all nations might be so, yet too true it is, that slavery has been the general lot of the human race. Ignorant - they have been cheated: asleep - they have been surprised: divided - the yoke has been forced upon them.
But what is the lesson? That because people may betray themselves, they ought to give themselves up, blindfolded, to those who have an interest in betraying them? Rather conclude that people ought to be enlightened, to be awakened, to be united, that after establishing a government they should watch over it, as well as obey it.
James Madison
The National Gazette December 20th, 1792
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