Argument by appeal to higher authority. Suppose we change that statement slightly, maintaining the same conclusion:
What if, as a majority, the people decided to commit a heinous act, such as surrendering to an aggresive foreign country, for the sake of their habitual safety and hedonist existence no matter the enemy's stated intentions of complete and utter slavery? Such an action would lead to death and suffering for a great many people, and a permanent subjugation of all. Also, consider that the majority would not judge or correct themselves, for they were the ones who agreed to partake in that course of action. As such, they inflict evil upon many more people than an individual could ever hope to; after all, as a democracy, the majoritys actions affect the entirety of the state and its citizens.
Ooh, I like that one. ;D