It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad.

Summary

This quote suggests that when a country prioritizes national security and implements measures to protect against threats from foreign entities, it often results in the erosion of domestic freedoms. It implies that governments exploit people's fear of external dangers to justify limiting their personal liberties. The quote highlights a perceived tendency for governments to use external threats as a means to tighten their control over citizens, potentially leading to a decrease in individual rights and freedoms within a society.