Skip to content

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.” quote by Charlie Pierce
Download Open image
“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.”

Charlie Pierce

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.

Key Takeaway

Balance security with liberty.

Themes

law civil liberty violence

Mood

critical analytical

Type

opinion political

When to use this quote

  • policy debate
  • national security
  • civil rights law

Key Concepts

state power individual rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards prevent abuse of protective laws?
  • How do we define acceptable aggression?
A Different Perspective

Protecting aggression can legitimize harm.

3.1 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Charlie Pierce

Explore all 49 Charlie Pierce quotes

More American quotes

Browse all 7,717 American quotes