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It seems proper, at all events, that by an early enactment…

“It seems proper, at all events, that by an early enactment similar to that of other countries the application of public money by an officer of Government to private uses should be made a felony and visited with severe and ignominious punishment.” quote by Martin Van Buren
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“It seems proper, at all events, that by an early enactment similar to that of other countries the application of public money by an officer of Government to private uses should be made a felony and visited with severe and ignominious punishment.”

Martin Van Buren

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Public funds misused by officials for private gain should be criminalized and harshly punished.

In simple terms: Corruption must be a felony.

Key Takeaway

Make misuse of public money illegal.

Themes

corruption government accountability

Mood

serious concerned

Type

legal political

When to use this quote

  • budget oversight
  • government contracts
  • public procurement
  • anti‑corruption reforms

Key Concepts

public finance legal deterrence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can oversight be strengthened?
  • What penalties are most effective?
A Different Perspective

Enforcement may be difficult in weak legal systems.

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