A people may prefer free government, but if, from indolence, o | Lt Col Matthew Lohmeier

A people may prefer free government, but if, from indolence, or carelessness, or cowardice, or want of public spirit, they are unequal to the exertions necessary for preserving it; if they will not fight for it when it is directly attacked. . . they are more or less unfit for liberty. And though it may be for their good to have had it even for a short time, they are unlikely long to enjoy it.
—Mill