Liberty will fight wars

Throughout time, there has been debate about security and liberty. Many would agree that having both is vital to having a democracy. However, during desperate times, the government might place security or liberty on a higher pedestal and this can be beneficial or detrimental to the society. In the particular case where a country goes to war and the government orders a draft, the true significance of the debate between security and liberty is brought to light. Especially, in a circumstance where the government enacts laws ordering those who protest anti-war and anti-draft views to be thrown in jail, facing long jail sentences. In this case, the government is placing the security of the citizens above their liberties. If this is the right decision for the government to make and if this will have negative consequences on the society is what is being considered. Security is necessary, especially when a country is at war, but ignoring the people’s liberties is placing the values and principles in which democracy was built, at risk. In addition, placing security above liberty causes chaos, rebellion, and riots within the country and the last thing a country needs while trying to fight a war is chaos within their country. People in society with restricted liberties will begin to feel fear, anger, and hatred for the country. As a result, they become disloyal. A combination on disorder and disloyalty can be detrimental in times of war. Therefore, while security is imperative, undermining citizen’s liberties threatens the structure of the democracy by creating chaos and disloyal citizens. In a society where freedom of speech, assembly, and press is highly valued, passing a law prohibiting “willfully cause or attempt to cause insubordin...

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...it was founded. This means that the country must not forget to give its citizens freedom of speech, press, and assembly. By doing so, they will create a secure environment within the state and have loyal citizens that are willing to fight for the security of the country as a whole, regardless if it is right or wrong. When a democracy finds itself in a problematic decision, it should choose to put liberty above the security of the people. It is true that too much liberty, hinders security but by showing the citizens that the country is genuinely concerned about their wellbeing, they build a better relationship and loyal citizen. Loyal citizen is what the country will need when it is fighting a war. Security is important for the success of the country and to have the ability to protect the country and to protect liberties but a country is nothing without its citizens.