The Deterioration of Liberty

I admit that some man occasionally will become afraid
and will become totally gripped by the belief that there
is menace in every fellow man. I admit that a human
being can become so aberrated as to constitute a menace
to the bulk of the society and that in such a case it is
necessary to reacquaint him with society. But I will not
admit that there is a naturally bad, evil man on Earth.
- L. Ron Hubbard

The single word "liberty" articulates not only basic
rights, such as freedom of speech and religion, but
many other vital concepts: opportunity, choice,
security and even happiness. Indeed, it is a word that symbolizes
the dreams and goals of every human being.

Yet its very power makes it liable to abusive ends entirely
opposed to its true meaning. In consequence, both individual
and national freedoms can be eroded in a manner that escapes
detection. If this deterioration of liberty is not spotted and reversed,
a people can lose many of their basic rights and ultimately fail to
recognize, and thus arrest, a slide into a police state.

On the hard"'won and cherished liberties of nations depends
everything its citizens hold most dear. In affirming the basic
decency and upholding the fundamental rights of each
individual, Ron provides an embracive understanding that
vitally concerns all.