Gavin Howe
The quote 'a government that is allowed to break the law during an emergency will create an emergency to break the law' has sparked debate on Reddit. Some users argue that the quote is about a hypothetical idea that doesn't exist, as governments are not allowed to break international law during emergencies. Others point out that the government can change the law after an emergency has occurred, allowing them to do whatever they want. The quote raises questions about the relationship between the government and the law, and the potential for abuse of power.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| The government is allowed to break the law | During an emergency |
| The government is allowed to do anything | As long as they made a law that allows it |
| The government could | Change the law after an emergency and then do whatever they wanted |
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What You'll Learn
Governments breaking international law
A government that is allowed to break the law during an emergency will create an emergency to break the law. This is a quote that has been shared on Reddit, and it is a powerful statement that highlights the dangers of allowing governments to have too much power.
While governments are not allowed to break international law for an emergency, there are still many instances of governments breaking international law. Amnesty International has warned that the breakdown of the rule of law is likely to accelerate with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, which, coupled with the dominance of Big Tech, risks a "supercharging" of human rights violations.
The organisation's 2024 report paints a dismal picture of alarming human rights repression and prolific international rule-breaking, all in the midst of deepening global inequality, superpowers vying for supremacy, and an escalating climate crisis. In the face of multiplying conflicts, the actions of many powerful states have further damaged the credibility of multilateralism and undermined the global rules-based order first established in 1945.
The Israeli government, for example, has been accused of committing war crimes and making a mockery of international law in Gaza. Powerful governments have cast humanity into an era devoid of effective international rule of law, with civilians in conflicts paying the highest price.
When democracies break international law, the implications are felt not just by the autocracies that violated their obligations first but also by other democracies. This can create a domino effect, with more and more countries choosing to violate international law to avoid getting the "sucker payoff".
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Governments creating emergencies to break the law
A government that is allowed to break the law during an emergency will create an emergency to break the law. This is a powerful quote that highlights the dangers of allowing governments to act with impunity during times of crisis.
When a government is given free rein to disregard the law, it sets a dangerous precedent. It suggests that the rule of law does not apply equally to all and that those in power can act without consequence. This undermines the very foundation of a democratic society, where the government is meant to serve and protect its citizens, not rule over them with unchecked authority.
The quote also raises important questions about the nature of emergencies and how they are defined. What constitutes an emergency? Who decides when an emergency has occurred? These are critical questions that must be addressed to prevent governments from abusing their power and justifying their actions under the guise of an emergency.
Furthermore, the quote reminds us that governments are not static entities. The government that is in power today may not be the same government that enacted the laws. This dynamic nature of governance means that allowing any government to break the law during an emergency sets a precedent that can be exploited by future administrations, potentially leading to even more egregious abuses of power.
It is worth noting that, in reality, governments are rarely, if ever, allowed to break international law, even during emergencies. However, the quote serves as a warning against complacency and a reminder of the importance of holding our leaders accountable, regardless of the circumstances.
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Governments changing the law after an emergency
A government that is allowed to break the law during an emergency will create an emergency to break the law. This is a quote that has been shared on Reddit, and it has sparked a discussion about the power of governments to change laws and the potential consequences.
One user points out that the government could change the law after an emergency and then do whatever it wants. This raises concerns about the potential abuse of power and the need for checks and balances to hold governments accountable.
Another user highlights the distinction between the people "breaking the law" and those writing the laws. They argue that the government is allowed to do anything as long as it makes a law that permits it, even if it breaks other laws. This can lead to the creation of emergencies to justify breaking the law, as seen in the example of the ATF sending firearms to the Sinaloa cartel due to a declared emergency.
While the quote may seem like a hypothetical idea, it is important to consider the implications of governments having the power to change laws and the potential impact on the rule of law and democratic principles. The discussion highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and a robust legal framework to prevent the misuse of power by governments, especially during emergencies.
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Governments breaking the law they created
A government that is allowed to break the law during an emergency will create an emergency to break the law. This is a quote that has been attributed to the idea that governments can change the law after an emergency has happened and then proceed to do whatever they want.
This quote is often used to criticise the idea that governments can break international law during an emergency. It is argued that governments are rarely the same as those that enacted the laws, and so they should not be able to break them. For example, most constitutions are hundreds of years old.
However, others argue that this quote is based on a hypothetical idea that doesn't exist. They argue that governments are not allowed to break international law, even during an emergency.
The quote highlights the tension between the power of governments to create and change laws and the need for accountability and adherence to the rule of law. It raises questions about the potential abuse of power and the importance of checks and balances to prevent governments from breaking the laws they created.
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Governments breaking the law to combat drug emergencies
A government that is allowed to break the law during an emergency will create an emergency to break the law. This is a well-known quote that has been used to criticise governments that break their own laws.
In the context of drug emergencies, this quote is particularly relevant. Drug emergencies are often used as a justification for governments to take extreme measures, including breaking the law. For example, in the United States, the ATF broke the law by sending tens of thousands of firearms to the Sinaloa cartel from 2006 to 2014 due to a declared emergency over drugs entering the country. This is a clear example of a government creating an emergency to break the law.
It is important to note that governments are not above the law, even during emergencies. International law, for instance, cannot be broken by governments, even in emergencies. However, this does not always stop governments from trying to change the law after an emergency has happened to justify their actions.
The quote highlights the danger of allowing governments to break the law during emergencies. It suggests that if a government is given this power, it will abuse it and create emergencies to justify its actions. This is a serious concern, as it undermines the rule of law and the foundations of democracy.
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Frequently asked questions
"A government that is allowed to break the law during an emergency will create an emergency to break the law".
This quote is attributed to u/ThePhotographer530 on Reddit.
The quote suggests that if a government is allowed to break the law during an emergency, it will create emergencies as a way to justify breaking the law.
No, governments are not allowed to break international law during an emergency.
