In His Own Words
A commonplace book
Edward Crane spent his life making the case for liberty plainly and without compromise. These are his words.
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“The only hope we have for continued success is to stick to our principles and never compromise. If we do that there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.”
“Government should exercise its authority to protect our liberty, which is the framework within which we can all pursue our various ends as free people.”
“Support for dynamic market capitalism, social tolerance, and a healthy skepticism of foreign military adventurism is a combination of views held by a plurality of Americans. It is why the 21st century is likely to be a libertarian century.”
“Government is not peaceful; it is inherently coercive.”
“We are not anti-government. We are, however, like the Founders, very much aware of the dangers and limitations of government.”
“Congress was meant to play a very limited political role in protecting the rights to life, liberty, and property of those who lived in the vastly larger civil society.”
“To live a fulfilling life—to be happy—requires that one be in control of one’s life.”
“Free and prosperous societies simply cannot exist without private property rights.”
“Poverty is the natural state of man. Prosperity requires free markets, respect for contracts, and protection of private property.”
“The events of Sept. 11 dictate that we refocus government on its proper role of protecting our liberties. That means less government interference in society, not more.”
“Today, there is no aspect of civil society that either party would place beyond the reach of the tentacles of the federal leviathan.”
“It is futile to try to be the world’s policeman—to try to create an American Empire as so many neoconservatives promote. And we can’t afford it.”
“I have seen socialism up close and it doesn’t work.”
“Peace and free trade. That is the answer to the Soviet ‘threat.’”
“Faceless bureaucrats, power-lusting politicians, and people spending other people’s money are a recipe for disaster.”
“Where is John Locke when we need him?”
“This is not some blip in public attitudes. This is the beginning of a sea change in American governance.”
“Our job is to get ideas on the table of the national debate, and whether Congress takes it up or not is not our primary concern.”
“We want to be independent of any political party.”
“Kristina has changed me. Washington hasn’t. She lets me know when I’m being an ass.”
“You’ll have all the growth you could ever desire if the people are free.”