Loss of liberty does not make you safer America

The clash in American history between liberty and safety is as old as the republic itself. As far back as 1798, notwithstanding the lofty goals and individualistic values of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the same generation -- in some cases the same human beings -- that wrote in the First Amendment that “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech” enacted the Alien and Sedition Acts, which punished speech critical of the government.

I have often argued that it is in times of fear -- whether generated by outside forces or by the government itself -- when we need to be most vigilant about protecting our liberties. I make this argument because when people are afraid, it is human nature for them to accept curtailment of their liberties -- whether it be speech or travel or privacy or due process -- if they become convinced that the curtailment will keep them safe. But these liberties are natural rights, integral to all rational people and not subject to the government’s whim.

I can sacrifice my liberties, and you can sacrifice yours, but I cannot sacrifice yours; neither can a majority in Congress sacrifice yours or mine.

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JoeLiberty said:

Preach!

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sliguns said:

I'd vote Judge for POTUS if he ever ran.

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Whitebread said:

I can't recall a time in which I disagreed with Napolitano.

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