Giving Quote by David D. Cole
“Historically, measures initially directed at foreign nationals have subsequently been extended to citizens. What happens is foreign nationals are the easiest targets and most vulnerable targets, so they're the initial targets. But government officials, once you give them a certain kind of power over individuals, they get used to it and almost inevitably seek out ways to extend it. You will see that virtually every form of repressive government measure that has been employed in the United States against citizens started out as an antialien measure and was then extended to citizens.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Civil Liberties, David D. Cole, 2018
Government powers often start targeting outsiders, then expand to citizens, eroding freedoms for all.
In simple terms: Rights can be eroded gradually.
Key Takeaway
Guard liberties before they broaden.
Themes
politics
rights
power
surveillance
Mood
cautionary
analytical
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- immigration law
- law enforcement
- public protests
Key Concepts
constitutional law
civil liberties
authoritarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies detect early overreach?
- What checks prevent power creep?
A Different Perspective
Expanding power can be justified as security, risking overreach.
