"But on the other hand government takes away a certain amount of liberty and in some countries it takes away all of liberty. And it will, everywhere, if people who fight government do not fight government any longer"
- William Kunstler
About this Quote
William Kunstler's quote highlights the fragile balance between government authority and private liberty. The statement highlights the double nature of government: while it plays a crucial function in keeping order and offering services, it also inherently imposes specific restrictions on personal flexibilities. Kunstler suggests that there is an intrinsic stress between governance and liberty-- a tension that requires continuous caution lest the former overwhelm the latter.
By mentioning, "government eliminates a specific amount of liberty," Kunstler acknowledges the premise that some level of personal flexibility need to be given up for the typical good. This can be seen in the enforcement of laws, taxation, and regulations which, while essential for a working society, do also limit absolute freedom. The balance between what is surrendered and what is maintained is what defines a society's level of freedom.
Nevertheless, what Kunstler alerts versus is the capacity for federal governments to exceed this balance. His assertion that in some countries "it takes away all of liberty" works as a plain suggestion of authoritarian programs that monopolize power and reduce private rights. The severe concentration of power in a federal government can erode the foundations of democracy and infringe upon the liberties that residents love.
Kunstler's closing admonition is particularly substantial: "And it will, all over, if people who battle government do not fight government any longer." Here, he implies that the preservation of liberty is not a passive venture but rather an active one. Engaged citizenry is the bulwark versus the advancement of governmental overreach. Without continued advocacy, dispute, and in some cases resistance, governments might naturally gravitate toward higher control, necessitating a proactive stance by people to safeguard and maintain their liberties.
In essence, Kunstler's quote encourages an alert and engaged populace, one that recognizes both the necessity of governance and the continuous danger of its overreach. Preserving this balance is important to the health and sustainability of a complimentary society.
This quote is written / told by William Kunstler between July 7, 1919 and September 4, 1995. He/she was a famous Activist from USA.
The author also have 12 other quotes.