Lately, one of the variations of a famous quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin, “Those who give up liberty for security deserve neither” has been thrown around to mean things other than were originally intended. When this quote, or variations of it were first used, they did not mean giving up safety in the sense of personal safety from physical harm for freedom, in the sense of personal freedom/liberty,as some google experts would have you believe. Largely due to ignorance there has been a rise in the use of this quote to mean that we must allow people no matter of their motives to enter our country, because to keep them out would be denying their freedom! The truth is, this quote was about taxation, not personal freedom vs personal safety. Much like Bible quote distortions, sick people find ways for famous words to fit their sick agendas.
A contextomized quotation not only shows your ignorance (or perhaps intent), but also contributes to the continual degradation of our society by your use of increasingly bastardized and meaningless quotes. Speak what you will but use your own words. Do not misquote an extraordinary man who took part in the creation of the most powerful and prosperous nation the world has ever seen.
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