200+ years of American Politics

[bolson]

This still applies after 200+ years. It must be one of those constants of humanity.

"Safety from external danger is the most powerful director of national conduct. Even the ardent love of liberty will, after a time, give way to its dictates. The violent destruction of life and property incident to war, the continual effort and alarm attendant on a state of continual danger, will compel nations the most attached to liberty to resort for repose and security to institutions which have a tendency to destroy their civil and political rights. To be more safe, they at length become willing to run the risk of being less free."

-- Publius (Alexander Hamilton), Federalist #8, 1787-11-20

I'm sure this and other things like it have been mentioned often over the last eight years or so, but I just encountered it anew while reading The Federalist Papers and thought it bore repeating.