There's no reason for the establishment to fear me. But it has every right to fear the people collectively - I am one with the people.
Huey NewtonRead
Laws should be made to serve the people. People should not be made to serve the laws.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Laws exist to benefit society, not to control individuals.
Huey Newton's quote emphasizes the fundamental purpose of laws, asserting that they should be designed to protect and serve the needs of the people rather than imposing restrictions that dictate how people must live their lives. This perspective advocates for a just legal system where the rights and freedoms of individuals are prioritized over strict adherence to legal codes, highlighting the importance of human dignity in the governance process.
Themes
LawsPeopleJusticeFreedomSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about social justice reforms.
More from Huey Newton
All quotes →Those in the community who defy authority and 'break the law' seem to enjoy the good life and have everything in the way of material possessions. On the other hand, people who work hard and struggle and suffer much are the victims of greed and indifference, losers. This insane reversal of values presses heavily on the Black community. The causes originate from outside and are imposed by a system that ruthlessly seeks its own rewards, no matter what the cost in wrecked human lives.
Huey NewtonRead
There will be no prison which can hold our movement down.
Huey NewtonRead
I expected to die. At no time before the trial did I expect to escape with my life. Yet being executed in the gas chamber did not necessarily mean defeat. It could be one more step to bring the community to a higher level of consciousness.
Huey NewtonRead
By surrendering my life to the revolution, I found eternal life
Huey NewtonRead
But before we die, how shall we live? I say with hope and dignity; and if premature death is the result, that death has a meaning reactionary suicide can never have. It is the price of self-respect.
Huey NewtonRead
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