Question

Put the following phrase in your own words: “The principle then lies about like a loaded weapon, ready for the hand of any authority that can bring forward a plausible claim of an urgent need.”

Answer 1

The concept remains similar to a loaded gun, waiting to be wielded by any authority presenting a convincing argument for an immediate necessity.

Another Possible Answer:

This statement means that principles, rules or laws that are created to serve noble purposes can also be used for ulterior motives. Just like a loaded weapon, a principle can be used as a tool to push for interests beyond the initial purpose it was created for. The authority with a compelling argument who can prove an "urgent need" is the one who can use these principles as a tool to support their agenda. In other words, principles can be manipulated by those in power to justify their actions, even if they go against the original intention of the principle.