Alexander Hamilton, using the pen name “Publius,” publishes “Federalist #8,” paragraph four of which warns of leaders who might try to keep the Union in a constant state of turmoil in order that they might “sacrifice their eternal liberty for temporary security and safety,”

       Safety from external danger is the most powerful director of national conduct. Even the ardent love of liberty will, after a time, give way to the dictates. The violent destruction of life and property incident to war, the continual alarm on a state of continual danger will compel the people most attached to liberty to resort for security to institutions [sic] which have a tendency to destroy their civil and political rights. To be more safe, they [WE THE PEOPLE] become willing to risk their freedoms

       [restored 11/29/2024] Thanks to Jim Lorenz for this entry.