[I]n all the world's history, there is nothing to compare with the pledges of human rights and freedom that have been worked into our charter of government at the great moments of national history.... It is only at great moments that such advances are possible. Between such moments there is most likely to be, first, a contented coasting on a path made smooth by established rights; then forgetfulness of those rights; finally, a challenge of them fired by passions made dangerous by ignorance. That leads either to loss of liberty or to the restoration of freedom through the resurging spirit of the people.
 

– Irving Brandt