Maher Arar's case stands as a sad example of how we have been too willing to sacrifice our core principles to overarching government power in the name of security, when doing so only undermines the principles we stand for and makes us less safe.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the danger of compromising fundamental values for the sake of security.
Patrick Leahy's quote reflects on Maher Arar's case, illustrating the tragic consequences of allowing government power to override core principles in the name of security. It argues that such sacrifices diminish the very values that define a free society and ultimately lead to greater insecurity rather than safety.
In practice
In a speech about civil liberties, one might reference this quote to emphasize the need to uphold core values.
It is common sense that in our immigration courts, where children fleeing devastating violence abroad often find themselves, kids need lawyers to advocate on their behalf. After all, lawyers go to school for years to understand the nuances of our legal system.
I know that's the sort of thing people say and I really hate it when people say the sort of things people say. I always think, 'You don't mean that, you just think it sounds good.
Poor intricated soul! Riddling, perplexed, labyrinthical soul!
Any necessary truth, whether a priori or a posteriori, could not have turned out otherwise
He saw all these forms and faces in a thousand relationships become newly born. Each one was mortal, a passionate, painful example of all that is transitory. Yet none of them died, they only changed, were always reborn, continually had a new face: only time stood between one face and another.
When two great saints meet, it's a humbling experience.
The Independence and Liberty you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings and successes.
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