In the halls of our federal government, preparations are underway to step up our sense of security as a people. Members of Congress are clamoring for new laws which could drastically alter the way we view our civil liberties.
While many Americans feel our safety could stand to see improvements in light of the increased threat of terrorism, the events now being set in motion bear the weight of a double-edged sword.
Already, President Bush has announced the creation of the Office of Homeland Security, to be headed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.
This cabinet position, reporting directly to the president, would coordinate any anti-terrorism efforts and national security measures enacted by Congress and carried out by various law enforcement agencies. It’s definitely a boon to the country to have this kind of agency in place.
There are rumblings of a darker nature however, which many fear will change the very fabric of the Constitution and our civil rights. Attorney General John Ashcroft, among others, has proposed a set of anti-terrorism laws that has many nervous about what is to come.
One particular facet of this bill that bears special concern is a proposal that could allow the federal government to detain indefinitely or immediately expel any legal immigrant without having to prove charges of illegal conduct.
Another would allow law enforcement agencies to seize billing information from Internet companies without a court order and utilize electronic surveillance gathered from foreign governments through means that would violate our Fourth Amendment protections - unlawful search and seizure.
While it’s argued it could take weeks for anything to go through Congress, Ashcroft plans to go before Congress today to argue for his measures.
The American Civil Liberties Union, part of an alliance of liberal and conservative groups opposing the new measures, released a statement Thursday that echoes the sentiments of many people who believe we must take action, but “security and civil liberties do not have to be at odds.” Caution must be exercised when laws are written to change our sacred rights.
What Congress is experiencing now is a knee-jerk reaction to the recent tragedies our country has experienced, and there is a tremendous need to slow down and consider the consequences of changing laws we already have in place.
This is not to say some laws should not be bolstered or changed. Some law enforcement regulations - especially in regards to travel security - will most likely, and for good reason, be altered.
Ashcroft’s security proposals are deserving of careful consideration. But Congress would do well to heed the old adage and look before it leaps.
Our way of life depends on it.
