The whole notion of loyalty inquisitions is a national characteristic of the police state, not of democracy. The history of Soviet Russia is a modern example of this ancient practice. I must, in good conscience, protest against any unnecessary suppression of our rights as free men. We must not burn down the house to kill the rats.

Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965) American diplomat, statesman

Speech, Opposing the McCarran Internal Security Act (1950)