Part 11/12:
Historically, progressives and civil libertarians have warned that "emergencies" often provide cover for authoritarian overreach. The problem is that rights are designed as safeguards against tyranny, not to be traded away during times of distress.
Reflection and Modern Lessons
The case of Shank and Beays is not merely historical trivia but serves as a cautionary tale:
Legal pretexts—like Holmes's "clear and present danger" doctrine—can justify severe restrictions on free speech.
Constitutional protections are meant to be inalienable, not conditional, even during war.
Government overreach tends to expand during national crises, often permanently altering the balance of power and individual freedoms.