What Are We Becoming?

[The following quotes are from the episode titled: “The Drumhead” from the TV series:  StarTrek: The Next Generation]
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“Sir, the Federation does have enemies! We must seek them out!“
“Oh, yes. That’s how it starts.  But the road from legitimate suspicion to rampant paranoia is very much shorter than we think.  Something is wrong here, Mr. Worf; I don’t like what we have become!“
[Worf (in italics) and Picard (in bold)]
[Later…]
“You know, there are some words I’ve known since I was a schoolboy: ‘With the first link, the chain is forged.  The first speech censured…  the first thought forbidden…  the first freedom denied  —  chains us all irrevocably.’  Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie, as wisdom…  and warning.  The first time any man’s freedom is trodden on, we’re all damaged.  I fear that today–“
“How dare you!  You who consort with Romulans, invoke my father’s name to support your traitorous arguments?  It is an offense to everything I hold dear!  And to hear those words used to subvert the United Federation of Planets!  My father was a great man!  His name stands for integrity and principle!  You DIRTY his name when you speak it!  He loved the Federation!  But you, Captain, corrupt it!  You undermine our very way of life!  I will expose you for what you are!  I’ve brought down bigger men than you, Picard!!“
[Picard (in bold), quoting Judge Aaron Satie, and Admiral Satie (in italics), angrily chastising him for it]
[Later…]
“Am I bothering you, Captain?“
“No, please come in, Mr. Worf.“
“It is over.  Admiral Henry has called an end to any more hearings on this matter.“
“That’s good.“
“Admiral Satie has left the Enterprise.“
“We think we’ve come so far.  Torture of heretics, burning of witches, it’s all ancient history.  And then, before you can blink an eye, suddenly it threatens to start all over again.“
“I believed her.  I – I HELPED her!  I did not see what she was.“
“Mr. Worf, villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot.  Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well camouflaged.“
“I think, after yesterday, people will not be so ready to trust her.“
“Maybe.  But she or someone like her will always be with us, waiting for the right climate in which to flourish  —  spreading fear in the name of righteousness.  Vigilance, Mr. Worf.  That is the price we have to continually pay.“
[Worf (in italics) and Picard (in bold), discussing both the investigations and the misguidedness of Admiral Satie]
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[How “SAFE” are we when the government has suspended the right to Habeas Corpus and is tapping every single phone and email in the country without a warrant?  What are we sacrificing in the name of security from terrorism?    —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2012	Miracles
2011	“W” Finds A Nut!
2010	No Strain At All, But I’m Not Sure About Stress…
	An Evening at the Pavilion…

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