February 7, 2011

To perish alone, undefended...

I do believe that we are required to wade into those things that matter to our country and our culture, no matter what the disincentives are, and no matter the personal cost. There is not one among us who wants to be set upon, or obligated to do and say difficult things. Yet, there is not one of us who could in good conscience stand by and watch a loved one or a defenseless person-or a vital national principle-perish alone, undefended, when our intervention could make all the difference. This may well be too dramatic an example. But, nevertheless, put most simply; if we think that something is dreadfully wrong, then someone has to do something.

    -- Justice Clarence Thomas, Francis Boyer Lecture, Feb. 13, 2001
Posted by John Weidner at February 7, 2011 3:12 PM
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