The defense of our democracy against the forces that threaten it from without has made some of its failures to function at home glaringly apparent.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Always there has been some terrible evil at home or some monstrous foreign power that was going to gobble us up if we did not blindly rally behind it.
Unfortunately, the true force which propels our endless political disputes, our constant struggles for political advantage, is often not our burning concern for democracy, it is often of our dedication to the principle of the rule of law.
Paradoxically, the United States' determination to protect its troops can be self-defeating. Allies and adversaries see U.S. forces living in secure compounds, eating fancy chow and minimizing their exposure to potential terrorist assaults.
Not all political actors share our vision of fighting terrorism, lessening tensions in the region and focusing on building the economy. It is natural that they would challenge the government, but we have fought every challenge effectively. The daily ups and down of democracy should not be interpreted as lack of stability.
The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.
The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.
Remaining vigilant toward this ever-present threat means constantly learning how better to protect ourselves. But primarily it reminds us that we must fight and win the war on terror, so that we do not have to fight it here in America.
American democracy must be a failure because it places the supreme authority in the hands of the poorest and most ignorant part of the society.
Undoubtedly, a democratic state without an alternative is a danger to democracy itself.
But democracy isn't a state of perfection. It has to be improved, and that means constant vigilance.
No opposing quotes found.