When compared with the suppression of anarchy every other question sinks into insignificance. The anarchist is the enemy of humanity, the enemy of all mankind, and his is a deeper degree of criminality than any other. No immigrant is allowed to come to our shores if he is an anarchist; and no paper published here or abroad should be permitted circulation in this country if it propagates anarchist opinions.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Roosevelt argues that suppressing anarchy is the highest priority, viewing anarchists as enemies of humanity who must be excluded from society and media.
- In plain terms
- Stopping chaos is more important than anything else, and those who promote it should not be allowed in the country.
- What can you take from it?
- National security and order take precedence over other concerns when dealing with radical ideologies.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we define anarchy without banning legitimate protest?
- When is excluding voices necessary for safety?
Another view
This view risks suppressing legitimate dissent or free speech under the guise of preventing anarchy.
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