Quotation by

David Mamet

If, indeed, a firearm were more dangerous to its possessors than to potential aggressors, would it not make sense for the government to arm all criminals, and let them accidentally shoot themselves? Is this absurd? Yes, and yet the government, of course,

David Mamet

Government

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

The author is arguing that it would be illogical for the government to give criminals guns if those weapons were more likely to harm the criminals themselves rather than others. He points out the absurdity of such an idea to criticize government policies that seem to ignore this common-sense perspective.

More by this author

All quotes by David Mamet →

More quotes about Government

See all →

A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take …

The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.

I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.

Government is not reason it is not eloquent it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.

Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil in its worst state, an intolerable one.

No man is good enough to govern another man without the other's consent.