&quot;Human dignity cannot be taken away by the government. Slaves did not lose their dignity (any more than they lost their humanity) because the government allowed them to be enslaved. Those held in internment camps did not lose their dignity because the government confined them. And those denied governmental benefits certainly do not lose their dignity because the government denies them those benefits. The government cannot bestow dignity, and it cannot take it away.&quot;<p>-- Judge Clarence Thomas<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.supremecourt.gov&#x2F;opinions&#x2F;14pdf&#x2F;14-556_3204.pdf" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.supremecourt.gov&#x2F;opinions&#x2F;14pdf&#x2F;14-556_3204.pdf</a>