A simple way to determine whether the right to dissent in a particular society is being upheld is to apply the town square test: Can a person walk into the middle of the town square and express his or her views without fear of arrest, imprisonment, or physical harm? If he can, then that person is living in a free society. If not, it's a fear society.
Natan SharanskyCan someone within that society walk into the town square and say what they want without fear of being punished for his or her views? If so, then that society is a free society. If not, it is a fear society.
Natan SharanskyWhen a man is afraid and accedes to fear, he will always find arguments to justify his own surrender.
Natan SharanskyTo go again over the history of the struggle of resistance ... and to think 'Where are all these people today Where is the KGB' is very inspiring
Natan SharanskyIf you have to fight an enemy at a critical point in time, and you have an ally who happens to be a dictator, you don't say: Let's stop fighting right now, because you're not a democrat. That would be ridiculous.
Natan Sharansky