“As nightfall does not come all at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged. And it is in such twilight that we all must be most aware of change in the air - however slight - lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness.”

Said well. The changes, perceptions, and etymology of society do not change all at once. Occasionally, drastic occurrences will fast-track new thoughts, outcomes, ideas, words, meanings, or actions. The Bush Doctrine (preemption), for instance, would have been quite difficult to push through in 8 years (considering his election platform of a humble foreign policy and no nation building) without 9/11. This is why it is important to know and remember our foundations. Natural pressures alone do not govern the affairs of nations; choices play a majority's role in determining the course of history. Just because we've arrived at a certain location doesn't mean we were destined to.

I ask of anyone reading this blog; what would you call a government where neither the majority, nor the minority can create law? A government where neither the majority nor the minority can inflict their particular prejudice on a disinterested third party. A government that holds paramount the rule of law in best administering the protection and enhancement of the individual sovereign's life, liberty, property, happiness, authority, powers, rights, privileges etc. A government that can not torture at its discretion nor, act in collusion with various individuals and corporations in committing crimes, then legislating ex post facto pardons for all criminal participants. A government that could not allow the monopolization of its 'lawful tender' by way of a legal currency by a disinterested third party - making funny money out of thin air. A government that can not do for, or to an individual, that which can not be done morally and lawfully by an independent third party individual? A government that is based on law, not the will of the people? A government that has no rights but duties only? A government where the single individual is the king and priest, Caesar and supreme sovereign, and the government his servant? A government truly of, by and for the people? A government where its servants authority does not exceed that of the individual sovereign? A government where the representatives represent the sovereign, not the state? A government that can not or will not compel compliance, issue licenses, enforce victimless crimes, commit larceny against the sovereign with impunity - including theft of the noble laborer's fruit, declare all property the alodium freehold of the state (in most part being in receivership to private bankers) while only allowing titled stewardship to everyone else, suspend public displays of religious sentiment, suspend habeas corpus, torture people for information, enforce forced ID/insurance/charity, etc., etc., etc.? Language and the words thereof are created and used by society ultimately describing that people. The meanings of words evolve/devolve over time either remaining similar (simply visualized in contemporary settings), changed to mean something entirely different, or abandon all together. Words like 'cool', 'groovy', or 'rad' explain a society's pop culture and personal concepts lived by. The word, 'Republic' as was used by the founders, describes the government I detailed above. Several here on this blog have given countless examples to prove the point. Those that choose Democracy, slavery, or whatever form of tyranny best answers their desires are correct in their assertions that the world no longer uses that definition to define a Republic. Again, what would one now call it? What is the word one would use? If no one can give a new contemporary word that describes the government above, then freedom and liberty are lost to this society. In our contemporary twilight covering, of concept and word definition change, we have become witting and unwitting victims of the darkness.

Good work Mike. What are our rights anymore? If we don't know and a jury doesn't know...how can we have a "justice system"? What we have is a "law system", like a police state.

The ruling class follows an agenda that spans lifetimes -- that is why they protect their own family inheritances while taking from the the inheritances of the rest of us. The People have the power, and when they realize it, they will exercise it. This is the struggle of humanity, and we should ever endeavor to educate our children to be on guard against the money power -- Freedom cannot be passed on to others, we each must claim it for ourselves and defend it. Education is absolutely necessary -- and since what we need to know is not 'taught' to us by our government/church school boards, we will have to learn it on our own. Anyone who attempts to hold the truth hostage by trying to profit from its dissemination only makes matters worse -- and subjects themselves to commercial regulation and legal battles. Spread the word without trying to make money off of it -- consider it your own contribution to "liberty and justice for all."

Well said Archer. The only way out of this milieu is to revert back to basics and let good reason be our master - unfortunately we are in a system so corrupt that few can see a clear path to honesty. The church, our government and corporations, have infested our hearts and minds and we no longer think for the happiness and well-being of parishes and constituents. A country implodes when it no longer believes in its only real asset – its people.

If we don't wake up, we will all die in our sleep.I would rather face harsh reality than dream sweet dreams. At least then I know what I'm dealing with and can confront it face on. I beleave that many people today realize who the enemy is, but how long before we stand up like men, and stop slithering like snakes.

I think this is perhaps one of the most important quotes ever written, not overly wise, somewhat obvious, if you think about it, but so very important for today's world...perhaps every era. I use this quote to get people in my courses to think about the world they live in, to observe, and to tell themselves how they perceive certain events and laws. I'm stunned into the student as I learn daily from their insights. Amazing.

I don't really care for non-specific legal opinions. The problem in our government is that the our Constitution allows for the negation of a majority of the voters in Presidential elections and created a two party system with choices of Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dumb or abstain. In addition, the 22nd Amendment makes second term Presidents into lame ducks. .

This quote is a wonderful expression that should alert people to the dangers of actions by some of the 'right wingers' [I say 'wrong wingers']. However, I would like to know the actual writing in which Justice Douglas made that statement so that I can reference it with clear authority.