Quote by Robert J. Ringer
Next to inflation, majority rule is the most ingenious scheme ever contrived by government. Most people have never dared to question the basic morality or logic in the assumption that the majority should have power over the minority. A majority of the people in the South once believed in black slavery. Did that make it moral? A lynch mob is majority rule stripped of its fancy trappings and its facade of respectability. In a community where homosexuals outnumber heterosexuals, should the majority have the right to outlaw sex between married partners of the opposite sex? In a community where atheists outnumber non- atheists, should the majority have the right to outlaw the practice of religion? ... a dictatorship allows only a small number of people to interfere with the rights of others, a democracy makes it possible for great numbers of people to impose their will on others -- through the force of government. Is an act of aggression more right if carried out by the majority than by a dictator? Since approximately half the eligible voters vote this means that approximately 75% of the people are ruled by 25% of the people.
Summary
This quote challenges the assumption that majority rule is inherently fair and justifiable. It argues that just because a majority of people believe in or support something does not make it morally right. The example of black slavery in the past is used to illustrate this point. The quote also highlights the potential dangers of majority rule, likening it to a lynch mob when stripped of its supposed legitimacy. Furthermore, it questions whether it is acceptable for a majority to enforce their will on minority groups, citing examples like outlawing heterosexual sex or the practice of religion. In addition, the quote raises concerns about the power imbalance in democracies, where a relatively small number of people hold sway over the majority through government force.
Topics
Inflation
