Civilrights

<Worf> He refused to answer the question about his Romulan grandfather

<Picard> That is not a crime, Worf! Nor can we infer his guilt because he didn't respond.

<Worf> Sir, if a man were not afraid of the truth, he would answer!

<Picard> ...Oh no. We cannot allow ourselves to believe that. The 7th Gaurantee is one of the most important rights granted by the Federation. We cannot take a fundamental principle of the Constitution and turn it against a citizen.

<Worf> Sir, the Federation does have enemies! We MUST seek them out!!

<Picard> ...Oh yes... that's how it starts. But the road from legitimate suspicion to rampant paranoia is very much shorter than we think. Something is wrong here, Mr. Worf. I don't like what we have become.

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<Picard> I'm deeply concerned about what is happening here. It began when we apprehended a spy, a man who admitted his guilt and who will answer for his crime. But the hunt didn't end there. Another man was brought to trial, and it was a trial, no matter what others choose to call it... a trial based on insinuation and innuendo, nothing substantive offered against him, much less proven. His grandfather is Romulan. And for that reason, his career now stands in ruins. Have we become so fearful? Have we become so cowardly that we must extinguish a man because he carries the blood of a current enemy? Let us not condemn him, or anyone else, because of their bloodlines; or investigate others for their innocent associations. I implore you, do not continue with this... proceeding. End it now.

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<Ambassador Sati> I question your actions, Captain. I question your choices. I question your loyalty.

<Picard> Y'know, there are some words I've known since I was a schoolboy. With the first link of the chain is forged, the first speech censored, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irevokably. Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Sati, his wisdom... and warning. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged.

<Ambassador Sati> How dare you!? You, who consort with Romulans, invoke my father's name to support your traitorous arguments! It is an offense to everything I hold dear! And hearing those words used to subvert the United Federation of Planets! My father was a great man! His name stands for integrity and principle! You dirty his name when you speak it. He loved the Federation! But you, Captain, corrupt it! You undermine our very way of life! I will expose you for what you are! I've brought down bigger men than you, Picard!

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<Picard> You think we've come so far? The torture of heretics, burning of witches are all ancient history. Then, before you can blink an eye, suddenly it threatens to start all over again.

<Worf> I believed her. I-I helped her. I did not see what she was.

<Picard> Mr. Worf, villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well camouflauged.

<Worf> I think, after yesterday, people will not be so ready to trust her.

<Picard> Maybe, but she, or someone like her, will always be with us- waiting for the right climate in which to flourish, spreading fear in the name of righteousness. Vigileance, Mr. Worf, that is the price that we'll have to continually pay.