America Quote by Barack Obama
“Now, at times this issue has tended to degenerate into an 'either-or' type of debate. Either we protect our people from terror or we protect our most cherished principles. But that is a false choice. It asks too little of us and assumes too little about America.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on National Security, Barack Obama, 2015
The quote argues that security and values are not mutually exclusive; we must uphold both rather than choose one over the other.
In simple terms: Security and values can coexist; no false binary.
Key Takeaway
Reject false binaries; protect both people and principles.
Themes
security
values
politics
ethics
leadership
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- public speeches
- government briefings
Key Concepts
civil liberties
terrorism
national identity
policy making
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policies protect citizens without compromising core values?
- What examples show successful integration of security and principle?
A Different Perspective
Balancing security with liberty can be complex and politically contentious.
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
