All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801–09)

Speech (1801-03-14), Inaugural Address, Washington, D. C.
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