Meaning: The quote by Daniel Ellsberg, an American activist and former United States military analyst, reflects his concerns about the potential erosion of civil liberties in the United States in the event of a major crisis such as another 9/11 or a war in the Middle East involving a U.S. attack on Iran. The reference to a "Reichstag fire decree" alludes to the historical event in Germany in 1933 when the Reichstag building was set on fire, and the incident was used by the Nazi regime to justify the suspension of civil liberties and the consolidation of power.

Ellsberg's quote highlights the fear that a major crisis could be exploited by the U.S. government to enact sweeping and draconian measures, including massive detentions, that would undermine the rights and freedoms of people in the country. The comparison to the Reichstag fire decree serves as a stark warning about the potential for a crisis to be manipulated to justify authoritarian actions.

The mention of "another 9/11" refers to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which had a profound impact on U.S. domestic and foreign policy, resulting in the enactment of controversial security measures such as the Patriot Act and the initiation of military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ellsberg's suggestion that a similar event could lead to further erosion of civil liberties raises important questions about the balance between security and individual rights in times of crisis.

Furthermore, the reference to a "major war in the Middle-East involving a U.S. attack on Iran" reflects the geopolitical tensions and the potential for armed conflict in the region. The implications of such a scenario for domestic policy and civil liberties are significant, as past conflicts have led to debates about the scope of executive power, surveillance, and the treatment of detainees.

It is important to note that Daniel Ellsberg is known for his role in the release of the Pentagon Papers, a classified study of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, which contributed to public understanding of government decision-making and the Vietnam War. His activism and advocacy for government transparency and accountability inform his perspective on the potential consequences of a major crisis for civil liberties in the United States.

In summary, Daniel Ellsberg's quote reflects his concerns about the potential for a major crisis to be exploited to justify the erosion of civil liberties in the United States. By invoking the historical precedent of the Reichstag fire decree and referencing specific scenarios such as another 9/11 or a war in the Middle East, Ellsberg underscores the need to remain vigilant about the protection of individual rights and freedoms, particularly in times of national crisis. This quote serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between security and liberty, and the importance of upholding constitutional principles even in the face of significant challenges.