Societies do not usually lose their freedom at a blow. They give it up bit by
bit, letting themselves be tied down with an infinity of little knots. As
rules and regulations increase, their range of actions is gradually
compressed. Their options slowly lessen.
Without noticing the change, they become wards of state. They imagine
themselves still free, but in a thousand and one ways, their choices are
limited and guided by the authorities.
And always, there are what seem to be sensible reasons for letting their
autonomy be peeled away - "safety", "health", "social justice", "equal
opportunity."
It is easy to become accustomed to docility. That is why eternal vigilance is
the price of liberty. Not because liberty is easy to shatter. Because it can
be softened and dismantled with the acquiescence of the very men and women
from whom it is being stolen.
Jeff Jacoby, columnist, Boston Post.
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