WASHINGTONIAN, n. A Potomac tribesman who exchanged the…
“WASHINGTONIAN, n. A Potomac tribesman who exchanged the privilege of governing himself for the advantage of good government. In justice to him it should be said that he did not want to.They took away his vote and gave instead The right, when he had earned, to _eat_ his bread. In vain --he clamors for his boss, pour soul, To come again and part him from his roll. --Offenbach Stutz.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A satirical definition that critiques the loss of self‑governance when people trade freedom for the illusion of better governance.
In simple terms: Giving up freedom for false security.
Key Takeaway
Beware trading autonomy for empty promises.
Themes
politics
freedom
authority
satire
Mood
cynical
ironic
reflective
Type
definition
satire
political commentary
When to use this quote
- voting rights
- community activism
- government reform
- civil discourse
Key Concepts
libertarianism
critical theory
civic responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value personal liberty over societal order?
- When does surrendering rights improve the common good?
A Different Perspective
The definition oversimplifies complex political trade‑offs and may ignore benefits of collective decision‑making.