What does this famous quote mean?

Question

America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. - Abraham Lincon

I understand everything until "..it will be because we destroyed ourselves". What does he mean by that? Could someone REALLY explain what he means?

Answer 1

We are our own worst enemy. We make decisions that we think will protect us, when in fact, they damage us. We stab ourselves.

We limit those freedoms, WE limit those expressions, WE limit those factors. WE did it

Answer 2

Knowing what the constitution guarantees us is key. If we do not uphold our constitution and its amendments and force the government to obey it - we will lose our freedoms. That is why casting a vote is a duty and a privilege. Each citizen must act to protect his liberty, he does so by participating in our free elections and choosing leaders who will uphold the constitution and the values this country stands for.

G. Bush for what its worth has walked all over the constitution during his presidency. He has broken the law doing so and will be called to account by the next administration. Even in time of war you cannot impose on the liberties of common citizens without the proper warrants from the judiciary.