Respuesta :
Freedom of thought, and a free communication of opinions by speech through the medium of the press, are the safeguards of our Liberties. . . . By the freedom of opinion, cannot be meant the right of thinking merely; for of this right the greatest Tyrant cannot deprive his meanest slave; but, it is freedom in the communication of sentiments [by]speech or through the press. This liberty is animprescriptable [unlimitable] right, independent of any Constitution or social compact; it is ascomplete a right as that which any man has to the enjoyment of his life. These principles are eternal--they are recognized by our Constitution; and that nation is already enslaved that does not acknowledge their truth. . . .If freedom of opinion, in the sense we understand it, is the right of every Citizen, by what mode of reasoning can that right be denied to an assemblage of Citizens? . . . The Society are free to declare that they never were more strongly impressed with . . .the importance of associations . . . than at the present time. The germ of an odious Aristocracy is planted among us--it has taken root. . . . Let us remain firm in attachment to principles. . . . Let us be particularly watchful to preserve inviolate the freedom of opinion, assured that it is the most effectual weapon for the protection for our liberty. :)
This phrase is part of Adress of the Democratic-Republican Society of 1794. These were the early years of the United States as a nation. As such, it went through a lengthy process of empowering the created institutions under the Constitution and leaving behind the counterproductive practices which were relevant during the time of the British rule.
The author states that the influence that Aristocracy is trying to exercise in the country is similar to that that the British rulers were doing. Excessive use of one's economic power and influence in order to achieve gains at the expense of the rest of the people.
