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“To those in the executive branch who say ‘just trust us’ when it comes to secret and warrantless surveillance of domestic communications, I say, ‘Remember your history.’” quote by Eric Holder
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“To those in the executive branch who say ‘just trust us’ when it comes to secret and warrantless surveillance of domestic communications, I say, ‘Remember your history.’”

Eric Holder

About This Quote

Source Speech: Congressional Hearing, Eric Holder, 2013

Officials urging trust in secret surveillance should recall past abuses of power that harmed civil liberties.

In simple terms: Remember past surveillance abuses before trusting new ones.

Key Takeaway

Demand transparency and oversight.

Themes

government surveillance trust history civil liberties

Mood

cautious critical

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • legislative debate
  • public advocacy
  • journalism
  • policy review

Key Concepts

Legal precedent privacy rights government accountability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards are needed?
  • How can history guide current policy?
A Different Perspective

Trust can be eroded by secrecy and past betrayals.

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