Warm in their seats, they were loath to leave them, or hold them any longer at the will of the people - John Adams

[Berlin_Freeper]

The States want to redo their votes. They found out they voted on a FRAUD. Legislatures never approved. Let them do it. BE STRONG!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

[ClearCase_guy]

I’m feeling dumb.

The first part of the quote tells me that People in power are reluctant to give up power. Fine. Makes sense to me.

The second part? Sounds like it’s saying the opposite to me. People in power no longer wish to hold power? I don’t get it.

What was Adams trying to express here?

[Mr. K]

It means they want to stay there whether or not it’s the will of the people.

That’s just the way they used to talk back then.

[hopespringseternal]

The people in power to serve the people want to serve themselves instead. They hate the people they were elected to serve.

[ClearCase_guy]

Thanks. I see it now.

[MikeyB806]

Warm in their seats, they were loath to leave them, or hold them any longer at the will of the people.

They are loath to hold them based on what the People want: They want to hold them, period...regardless of what the people want.

[cotton1706]

He means that those in power don’t want the people to be able to remove them from power.

[Ciexyz]

God is in control no matter what happens, but I’m glad my beloved parents and grandparents are no longer here to see the travesty that American democracy has become.

[Bigg Red]

I wish my dear, late parents were here to see President Trump save our Republic.