Let's
consider whether Cromwell's speech to the Long Parliament of 20 April, 1653,
fits today:
'It is high time for
me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by
your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are
a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary
wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like
Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.
'Is
there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not
possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you
have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that
has the least care for the good of the
Commonwealth?
'Ye
sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's
temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices?
Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by
the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that
shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God,
go!
I think we can safely say yes.
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