A democracy is a volcano which conceals the fiery materials of its own destruction. These will produce an eruption and carry desolation in their way.
Fisher AmesLiberty has never lasted long in a democracy, nor has it ever ended in anything better than despotism.
Fisher AmesI have heard it remarked that men are not to be reasoned out of an opinion they have not reasoned themselves into.
Fisher AmesThe known propensity of a democracy is to licentiousness which the ambitious call, and ignorant believe to be liberty.
Fisher AmesI am commonly opposed to those who modestly assume the rank of champions of liberty, and make a very patriotic noise about the people. It is the stale artifice which has duped the world a thousand times, and yet, though detected, it is still successful. I love liberty as well as anybody. I am proud of it, as the true title of our people to distinction above others; but . . . I would guard it by making the laws strong enough to protect it.
Fisher Ames