Ron Wyden Quotes

There is no inverse relationship between freedom and security. Less of one does not lead to more of the other. People with no rights are not safe from terrorist attack.

Liberty comes only after security.

Liberty requires security without intrusion, security plus privacy.

The desire for security must be balanced with our regard for liberty.

We all want security …. But we don’t need to simplify the debate to such an extent that we simply say we have to give up our liberties.

You cannot barter security for freedom, or freedom for security.

We must also reject the false choice of liberty versus security. We can and must have both.

Liberty exists in proportion to wholesome restraint; the more restraint on others to keep off from us, the more liberty we have.

Liberty and security are often in direct confrontation and must be balanced in a way that protects us without destroying what is worth protecting.

To be safe at the expense of the liberty of other people is a difficult equation.

I really believe that we don't have to make a trade-off between security and privacy. I think technology gives us the ability to have both.

The right to be let alone—the most comprehensive of rights and the most valued by civilized men.

How far are we to go in pursuit of greater security at the cost of essential liberties?

The issue of wiretapping raises the issue of the balance between human liberty and the requirements of national security. I would say that the weight should be on the side of human liberty and that if human liberty is ever to be infringed, the demonstration on the national security side must be overwhelming.

Security is no replacement for liberty.

The people are frightened. When they are frightened, they are much more willing to give us their liberties. But giving up their liberties won't make them safer, that's the real sad part of it.

If we take away all our privacy rights, we become our own terrorists.

Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives

If all that Americans want is security, they can go to prison.

Benjamin Franklin once said, 'A people who would trade liberty for security deserve neither.' I think we can have both. We can keep our liberties. We can have our security.

Our government should not be spying on the electronic communications of American citizens. Nor should our iPhones or Android devices be subject to unreasonable searches and seizures.

Certainly I support the Constitution, and I respect people's privacy, but I also think we need to err on the side of protecting us.

I have a personal belief that you never have to give up liberty for security. You can still provide security without sacrificing our Bill of Rights.

I'm convinced that you never have to give up liberties to be safe. I think you're less safe when you give up your liberties.

Property must be secured, or liberty cannot exist.