No free people ever existed, or can ever exist, without keeping the purse strings in their own hands. Where this is the case, they have a constitutional check upon the administration, which may thereby by brought into order without violence. But when such a power is not lodged in the people, oppression proceeds uncontrolled in its career, till the governed, transported into rage, seek redress in the midst of blood and confusion.

Summary

This quote by Thomas Jefferson highlights the essential role of economic independence in maintaining freedom. Jefferson asserts that a nation's people must have control over their finances, as it enables them to hold their government accountable and prevent oppression from taking root. With the power to govern their own economic affairs, the people can use constitutional means to address grievances and restore order, avoiding the need for violent uprisings. However, without this power, unchecked oppression can escalate, pushing the oppressed into a state of anger and chaos, where seeking redress might only be possible through bloodshed.

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