Who said it is really astonishing that the same people who have just emerged from a long and cruel car in defense of liberty should agree to fix an elective despotism upon themselves and prosperity?

The quote is attributed to Thomas Jefferson. He expressed astonishment at the willingness of individuals, who had fought for liberty, to subsequently accept a form of government that undermined their freedoms. This reflects Jefferson's concerns about the potential for tyranny even within democratic systems. His observations highlight the complexities of governance and the importance of vigilance in preserving liberty.