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I think you make a good point Harry. My opinion is that this is war and I am anxiously awaiting the kicking of major terrorist ass. However, I am prepared to give up the same amount of civil liberties now as I was willing to give up under the Clinton administration which is, ZERO.

Whatever we are prepared to fork over now and whatever powers we are prepared to give the government now, we are giving not just to the current administration, but every future administration of this country. And I think that many people would not be so willing to toss out their rights out the window if it were Gore/Lieberman leading the USA.

This is a time to be cautious in our anger. Look at the numerous idiotic measures being taken at the airports as result of the attack. Everyone has to use a "spork" at the airport concessesion stand because of these attacks, even though no one tried to hijack a plane with the plastic knife they use to spread jelly on their Egg McMuffin while waiting to board a plane. No one is allowed to park at LAX, they have to park outside the airport and take a cab to get to departures. Of course, how many bin Laden associates were cab drivers in Boston? Good thing we let the cabs drive right up to the doors but not the airline passengers. These gestures may make people feel "safe" but they are empty and ultimately useless.

I see no reason that citizens have to start throwing out their rights because of these events. Once you give them up, you don't get them back.

Thanks Dio. Unfortunately many freepers, even longtime ones that should know better, will discard your words in the name of "pulling together". You are also correct that if it was Klinton making these speeches and implementing these Orwellian "Homeland defense" agencies, this forum would be hopping with outrage.

FR has become an encampment for sheep and I'm amazed at seeing some of the people that I'd previously respected falling for this sham. This is surreal.

Callahan

The measures currently being undertaken are designed to prevent further fascist incidents. You say you'd like to see major terrorist ass kicked. I do too. We all do.

You should realize that once that starts to happen, the terrorist asses will start to fart. You may not like the smell of their farts. I know I didn't when they farted in Washington and New York. Because I leave my windows up in my apartment, I smelled said fart here in the Washington area for some days. I didn't like it. Not at all. In order to prevent further farts, the American people must be prepared to make some compromises. Southern Federalist said it best.

We simply must win the war.

What ARE you willing to do in a time of war ? If you are told that there has to be a curfew, would you stay outside anyway ? What about blackouts, as during WW2 ? Should it be necessary to have wardens, capatains, and block watches, would you call them " brown shirts " or Nazis ?

No one knows just what exactly the new cabinet post of Homeland Security means , nor what it will do. We DO know that if the CIA and our intelligence capabilities hadn't been strangled for so many years, this attack might have somehow been averted . Yes, spying is a " dirty " business, but being murdered by terrorists curtails freedom more than any government does.

Oh, and this is NOT a time when Franklin's little phrase is applicable.