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stop spying on the lawful citizenry. Democracy and…

“stop spying on the lawful citizenry. Democracy and dossiers go ill together. It is all right for God but all wrong for the State to keep its eye on sparrows.” quote by Martha Gellhorn
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“stop spying on the lawful citizenry. Democracy and dossiers go ill together. It is all right for God but all wrong for the State to keep its eye on sparrows.”

Martha Gellhorn

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Surveillance erodes freedom; state monitoring contradicts democratic values

In simple terms: State spying harms democracy

Key Takeaway

Protect privacy, limit state surveillance

Themes

civil liberties government surveillance democracy privacy

Mood

concerned critical

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • activism
  • policy advocacy
  • legal reform
  • public debate

Key Concepts

social contract power imbalance citizen rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance security and freedom?
  • What safeguards prevent abuse of surveillance?
A Different Perspective

Surveillance can be justified for security; balance needed

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