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A few quotations on liberty (mostly freedom of speech) and opposition to that institution:
"As long as I am an American citizen and American blood runs in these veins, I shall hold myself at liberty to speak, to write, and to publish whatever I please on any subject" - Elija Lovejoy
"You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for independence" - Charles Austin Beard (Historian)
"The citizen who criticizes his country is paying it an implied tribute" - J. William Fulbright
"The constitution does not provide for first and second class citizens" - Wendell Willkie
"And so, my fellow americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man" - John F. Kennedy (Inaugural Address)
"It is the duty of every citizen according to his best capacities to give validity to his convictions in political affairs" - Albert Einstein
"A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won't cross the street to vote in a national election" - Bill Vaughan
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin (Historical Review of Pennsylvania)
"No, I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God" - President George Bush
"Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it" - George Bernard Shaw (One of my personal favorite people to quote)
"If you want to be free, there is but one way; it is to guarantee an equally full measure of liberty to all your neighbors. There is no other" - Carl Schurz
"The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant" - John Stuart Mill (Seconded - Very Kantian, and agreeable to me)
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains or slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take but as for me; give me liberty or give me death!" - Patrick Henry
Enjoy, and think about those for a bit. Comments and additions welcome
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