the radical passiveness of mankind, — the omnipotence of the law, — the infallibility of the legislator: — this is the sacred symbol of the party whi… - Frédéric Bastiat

Uma “ditadura” não precisa envolver um ditador efetivo. Tudo o que era necessário, dizia Bastiat, eram “as leis”, promulgadas por um Congresso ou um Parlamento, que produzissem o mesmo efeito: conformidade forçada.

men will resort to plunder whenever plunder is easier than work.

We demand from the law the right to relief, which is the poor man's plunder. To obtain this right, we also should be voters and legislators in order that we may organize Beggary on a grand scale for our own class, as you have organized Protection on a grand scale for your class.