How would Benjamin Franklin's statement about "giving up liberty for safety" apply to the "Patriot Act"?

Question

In 1775, Benjamin Franklin said, "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Do you feel that this statement is very timely in regards to the current administration, and its insistence that "If you are not with us, you are against us?" Isn't this the basic catalyst of the so-called "Patriot Act," which forces American citizens to give up "a little bit of liberty" in order to feel safe?

Well, is it working? Do you feel "free," OR "safe?"

Do you feel Franklin's statements are relative to America's present situation?

Answer 1

I teach American Literature and I've been quoting that particular Franklin bon-mot since the Patriot Act hit. I think it's *very* timely. I feel less free, and I certainly don't feel safe.

Answer 2

The post above me hit the nail on the head. Sure it's a fantastic quote but fairly outdated as was pointed out, it applied at the time it was said but now you are taking it out of context.

Honestly, do you really feel less free? Well I suppose you could feel several things and you seem to be a pretty touchy feely type (liberal traits?) Have you had some event happen to you since the patriot act was enacted that made you feel less free than you were before?

Answer 3

Yes his statement was timely for his time. The British soldiers wore uniforms and followed laws and ethics the terrorists laugh at. The Brits did not target women and children and when an American soldier was captured he was not beheaded. His statement was as good as Jesus's "turn the other cheek" statement, all this will do is give your enemy a better slice.

Answer 4

Your reference to the founding fathers is a reminder of the enlightenment period that guided their thoughts. We have regressed unfortunately, having reached the pinnacle, we are now so worried about the slippery slope that we have already slipped.