Repealing the Corn Laws

September 18, 1846, London, Britain.

"Honorable members, I stand before you today for a matter of great importance and urgency—the repeal of the Corn Laws!"

Robert Peel had barely begun his speech when someone in the audience started heckling him.

"We don't care about that pack of Irish paupers! If they die, we can get our hands on their land and save the expense of police and troops!"

Another voice shouted, "I disagree with you. You can never kill all the cockroaches!"

"Ha ha!"

The atmosphere grew lively at once. Robert Peel slammed his hand on the table.

"Silence! This isn't just about the Irish. It concerns everyone! Britain is a nation that cares about the well-being of its people and social justice!

"The Corn Laws are an absurd mistake! They go against the principles of Free Trade! They're a betrayal of The Wealth of Nations, a betrayal of Mr. Adam Smith!"

"You're talking nonsense, Prime Minister! You didn't say that when you asked us to buy land in Ireland! Britain promised to protect our interests!

"Without those of us who scratch a living from the soil, Britain could never have defeated Spain, and you wouldn't be enjoying your comfortable life today!"

"Exactly! We're the bedrock of this country! If foreigners are allowed to sell grain here, they'll have us by the throat!

"When people across Britain can no longer afford bread, you'll see what happens!"

"No! Free Trade will only make bread cheaper! I'm certain of it! And it was our great navy that defeated the Spanish! It was our great Grenadier Guards that defeated Napoleon!

"The British Empire's prosperity was built by merchants riding the winds and waves, colonists blazing trails through thorny thickets, factory owners racking their brains, and bankers opening their purses!

"What are you? Parasites