Meaning: The quote in question is attributed to Ethel Rosenberg, who, along with her husband Julius, was convicted of espionage during the Cold War and executed in 1953. The quote reflects Ethel's perspective on the legal proceedings and the haste with which the government sought to carry out their punishment.

Ethel Rosenberg's words express a sense of frustration and helplessness at the lack of information available to her, making it difficult for her to form a meaningful comment about the situation. The phrase "little or no detail to hand" suggests that she felt uninformed about the specifics of the case or the evidence against her and her husband. This lack of information likely contributed to her feelings of powerlessness in the face of the government's actions.

The phrase "shameless haste with which the government appears to be pressing for our liquidation" reveals Ethel's belief that the government was pursuing their execution with undue speed and without proper consideration for the evidence or the implications of their actions. The word "liquidation" carries connotations of a ruthless and final action, suggesting that Ethel felt the government was seeking to eradicate them rather than pursuing justice through a fair and measured legal process.

The use of the word "shameless" in describing the government's haste implies a moral judgment on their actions, suggesting that Ethel viewed the government's behavior as unethical and lacking in compassion. This reflects her sense of indignation and outrage at the treatment she and her husband were receiving at the hands of the authorities.

The quote captures the fear and anguish that Ethel Rosenberg must have experienced as she faced the prospect of imminent execution. It speaks to the broader themes of justice, power, and the individual's struggle against overwhelming forces. Ethel's words provide a glimpse into the personal and emotional toll of being caught up in a high-stakes political and legal drama, where the outcome seemed predetermined and the individual felt powerless to affect the course of events.

The Rosenberg case remains a controversial and highly debated episode in American history, with ongoing discussions about the fairness of the trial, the evidence presented, and the government's handling of the situation. Ethel's quote continues to resonate as a poignant expression of the human cost of political conflicts and the pursuit of national security at any cost.

In conclusion, Ethel Rosenberg's quote reflects her sense of frustration, fear, and moral outrage at the government's actions in the lead-up to her and her husband's execution. It provides a window into the personal and emotional turmoil of being caught up in a high-profile legal and political controversy, and it continues to provoke reflection and debate about justice, power, and the individual's struggle against overwhelming forces.