"In this country protection has always, to some extent, existed; but at some times it has been efficient, and at others not; and our tendency toward freedom or slavery has always been in the direct ratio of its efficiency or inefficiency"

Henry Charles Carey's quote talks to the idea that the level of defense in a nation has always been present, but its effectiveness has actually varied gradually. He suggests that the degree of freedom or slavery in a country is directly associated to the effectiveness of the defense. This indicates that when defense is effective, the country is most likely to be complimentary, and when it mishandles, the country is most likely to be shackled. This quote highlights the importance of having an efficient system of security in order to guarantee freedom and avoid slavery. It also recommends that the level of protection in a country is an essential factor in identifying the degree of freedom or slavery that exists.