American Quote by Charlie Pierce
“There is a barbarism in the American soul, and we must protect some of it by law. To root it out is to endanger our lives on the one hand, and our liberty on the other.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Unknown (opinion piece)
American culture contains a violent streak that must be legally protected, yet eradicating it threatens both life and liberty.
In simple terms: America has a protected barbarism.
Balance security with liberty.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- national security
- civil rights law
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent abuse of protective laws?
- How do we define acceptable aggression?
Protecting aggression can legitimize harm.