What does this quote mean and how does it apply to what is going on now?

';Necessity is the plea for all infringements upon human rights, it is the arguement of tyrants, it is the creed of slaves.';





Best answer to the first to answer all 3 questions in order.





#3 who said it.What does this quote mean and how does it apply to what is going on now?
It means that tyrants use the argument that their tiranny is necessary in order to keep in power, because they assure people their safety, or stability, or religious purity, or some other physical and/or ideological reward.





Similarly, the slaves accept their lot by accepting such an argument and claiming they need a master in place, to tell them what to do, how to behave and in what to believe.





It applies in the modern world because power is becoming more and more concentrated, not only economic and political but even cultural power. Since the people holding such power act as tyrants, they convince the majorities that such a tyranny is a necessity in order for them to keep enjoying the style of life to which they are used.





That quote is from William Pitt the Younger, the Prime Minister of England, in the House of Commons, in 1783.What does this quote mean and how does it apply to what is going on now?
William Pitt 1783 - the way I see it, this seems to fit with how our personal freedoms have been infringed upon in the fight against terrorism and all the new laws put into place....the Real ID act, listening in on phone calls, reading emails, cameras on all the roadways, etc etc...


It's one thing to deal with a bad situation, but not at the expense of our constitution and civil liberties. There are going to be more challenges ahead too, who knows what else we will be faced with, but I think that when there is a power that wants to control so completely, trying to convince people of something in order to accomplish that end is that ';plea';....


This quote could almost go along with 1984 by Orwell....something to be said about that too....





Edit: for those not familiar with Britain, Pitt was the youngest Prime Minister to serve. Here is a link with information on him:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Pit鈥?/a>





Edit:....Sorry...I didn't see the answers above...everyone knows about William Pitt... :)
1) It means the government will take away your rights if they feel they need to for security reasons or to make things equally fair for all. It means the people will always want more and demand that the government give it to them, despite how it effects the rights of those who already are comfortable with their station in life.





2) In this election, Obama wants to make people believe he is looking out for the ';slaves';, but in actuality he is every bit as much of a tyrant as McCain or Bush; they all take from us because they say we need them.





3) William Pitt
It means that whenever human rights are infringed those arguing for the infringement claim it is necessary. That such an argument makes them tyrants, and that those who would believe them become slaves.


It is relevant in that it relates to arguments against the patriot act, wiretapping and other security measures being taken in the name of fighting terrorism.


The quote comes from William Pitt
Kill 1 Save 100. It is an observation of Governments (or People) to do anything as long as it's for the ';greater good.';