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Every one knows that the exercise of military power is forever dangerous to civil rights; and we have had recent instances of violences that have been offer'd to private subjects.
Samuel Adams
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The use of military power can threaten individual freedoms and rights.

Samuel Adams warns that the exercise of military power poses a constant risk to civil rights. He highlights that history has shown instances where military actions have harmed private citizens, suggesting that the authority and force of the military should be approached with caution to protect individual liberties.

Themes

MilitaryCivil RightsLibertyDangerFreedom

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate about military intervention, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of protecting civil liberties.

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If taxes are laid upon us in any shape without our having a legal representation where they are laid, are we not reduced from the character of free subjects to the miserable state of tributary slaves? We claim British rights not by charter only! We are born to them.
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We boast of our freedom, and we have your example for it. We talk the language we have always heard you speak.
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