2006-12-11 10:43:34 · 2 answers · asked by bob c 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
President Kennedy spoke these words at the Berlin wall, noting that the restricted liberty of those in East Berlin was a thorn that troubled everyone. While those who wanted to leave and enter the West were halted, and sometimes shot, it was a reminder that when we look upon someone's entrapment, those with compassion and empathy cannot truly enjoy the benefits of their own freedom. And when it is possible to restrict freedom in one jurisdiction, it is a reminder that it is always possible to lose the freedom held in our own territory.
2006-12-11 10:54:33 · answer #1 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means that if one person's right or freedom is unfairly taken away, then the rights or freedoms of anyone else could also be taken away. If the authority or government in charge sets a rule that picks out one person for arbitrary punishment, then the next rule could pick YOU out.
It's basically saying that all people should stick together and support each other's rights, based on principle, not personal gain. Let's say the government made a rule tomorrow that all green-eyed people can't vote. This is obviously a silly and unjust rule, but it doesn't directly affect you. But if you don't stand up and say something about it, if you just let green-eyed people lose their freedom, well, then, maybe next week the government will pass another rule saying YOU can't vote, and there will be no one to stand up for YOUR rights.
2006-12-11 18:55:32 · answer #2 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋