Protection

There are some words that take on cherished meaning for us, some words the very sound of which is sweet to recallso much so, that we are often inclined to accept them at face value, without questioning whether or not they have other meanings, other implications. And one such word is the word “protection.” From our first remembrance of being encircled safely within the loving arms of a loving mothersafely away from the world and all its caresthe word has been of cherished memory. To lie down at night secure in the feeling that there are those who watch, adds sweetness to our sleep. To be protected from the blasts of winter by the warm walls of a solid home adds yet greater meaning to the word. To be protected in our rights, our privileges, our property is a blessing beyond price. But there was never anything good or desirable in this world but what someone tried to overdo it, or misuse it, or exploit itand protection is no exception; for example, the sweetness of the word is lost when protection of a kind that isn’t wanted is offered at a price that no one wants to pay, at a time when little or no choice is givenprotection such as that offered by the gangster or the racketeerprotection against a danger that doesn’t exist, but which will be made to order if necessary. As another example, history has given us many reminders of countries invaded allegedly for their own protection. And the world has had cause to weep for those who were so protected. Often with the best motives, and sometimes with ulterior motives, would-be protectors become too protective. And sometimes men have become so enamored of the idea of protection that they have in fact lost their freedom, have lost their right to bargain, have stripped themselves of the power of decision where their own interests are concerned. In such cases their protectors have, in fact, become their masters, and the question often follows: Who then will protect them against their protectors? Even the protection of heaven would not be desirable if men were enslaved there. And such considerations we would do well ever to keep in mind, lest we permit ourselves to be misled by good words that have had false meanings thrust upon them.