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Editorial
March 31, 1843
Burlington Free Press
Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont
What is this article about?
Editorial presents Rousseau's views on government's duty to prevent extreme wealth inequality, ensuring no citizen is rich enough to buy another or poor enough to sell themselves, without absolute equality.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Equality.
It is one of the most important objects of government to prevent an extreme inequality of fortunes; not by taking away the wealth of the possessors, but in depriving them of means to accumulate them; not by building hospitals for the poor, but by preventing the citizens from becoming poor. The term equality does not mean that individuals should all absolutely possess the same degree of wealth and power; but only, that with respect to the latter, it should never be exercised contrary to good order and the laws; and with respect to the former, that no one citizen should be rich enough to buy another, and that none should be so poor as to be obliged to sell himself.—Rousseau.
It is one of the most important objects of government to prevent an extreme inequality of fortunes; not by taking away the wealth of the possessors, but in depriving them of means to accumulate them; not by building hospitals for the poor, but by preventing the citizens from becoming poor. The term equality does not mean that individuals should all absolutely possess the same degree of wealth and power; but only, that with respect to the latter, it should never be exercised contrary to good order and the laws; and with respect to the former, that no one citizen should be rich enough to buy another, and that none should be so poor as to be obliged to sell himself.—Rousseau.
What sub-type of article is it?
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Equality
Government
Wealth Inequality
Social Order
Rousseau
What entities or persons were involved?
Rousseau
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Government's Role In Preventing Extreme Inequality Of Fortunes
Stance / Tone
Advocacy For Measured Equality To Preserve Social Order
Key Figures
Rousseau
Key Arguments
Government Should Prevent Extreme Inequality Of Fortunes By Limiting Accumulation, Not Redistribution.
Equality Means No One Rich Enough To Buy Another Or Poor Enough To Sell Themselves.
Power Should Not Be Exercised Against Laws And Order.
Equality Does Not Require Absolute Sameness In Wealth And Power.