JIM COHEN
Staff Writer
Last week proved to be a very active time in the war against terrorism and the threats our country faces with targeted attacks against al-Qaeda members in Pakistan and a new audiotape released by Osama bin Laden.
Hiding in a cave or hole, bin Laden warned Americans of future attacks as, “the operations are under preparation, and you will see them in your homes the minute they are through.”
With arrogance, bin Laden once again offered a truce to America saying, “We do not mind offering you a long-term truce with fair conditions” he added, “there is no shame in this solution.” Without offering any specifics, bin Laden made clear his continued demand for American troops to remove their presence in the Middle East.
Listening to the audiotape reminded Americans of the tragic attacks of Sept. 11 and the reality that the world’s most wanted man remains free from capture. It also made very clear it is impossible to make peace with people who make statements of peace while simultaneously planning more attacks.
The release of the tape also brought increased attention to President Bush’s recent acknowledgement of a spying program under the National Security Agency. With his authorization, the NSA has been conducting international electronic surveillance of communications between citizens in the United States and suspected terrorists abroad. In the wake of domestic spying scandals of the Nixon White House, in 1978, Congress enacted the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to create specific guidelines involving wiretappings.
In accordance with this program, wiretappings of this nature are illegal unless approved by a secret surveillance court. While the law is specific and clear, the Bush Administration claims it has a right to bypass the secret surveillance court to gain permission for the spying because of the ever-changing nature of terrorist activities and the speed at which electronic communication occurs. However, even Sen. Arlen Specter R – Penn., social conservative Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas, and Sen. John McCain R – Ariz. have said they believe the President has overreached his boundaries.
Understanding the nature of terrorism and the need to protect American citizens, the law specifically allows authorities 72 hours of free activity to spy on a suspect without a warrant. After those 72 hours, the secret surveillance court must approve the continuation of the spying activity or revoke the action. FISA and the secret court are vital tools and laws in America’s fight against terrorism, which separate our society from those who wish to harm us. Laws are vital to America’s survival and the embodiment of our nation’s values and morals. It is laws that have brought about freedom of speech, equal rights for women and minorities, and our pride of democracy. Unfortunately, some believe those laws don’t apply to their authority.
I believe our country’s leaders should use every tool in their power to protect our citizens and to hunt, capture and kill terrorists wherever they hide. I also believe our leaders should use our laws as an example of the unique and responsible voice of our nation’s justice.
Let’s bring justice to the families of the victims of Sept. 11 by showing the terrorists that our nation will never change our way of life or bend to the wills of their violence by changing our laws or the way in which we chose to live our lives.
Shortly after the Twin Towers fell, President Bush put the world on alert that no one or no country will ever force us to change our freedoms. He believed this so strongly that he told Americans to continue about our daily lives and to go shopping and enjoy the freedoms we have.
With the current end-around actions of our nation’s surveillance activities, the laws and freedoms we cherish so deeply are being put in jeopardy in the name of security. Without security, freedom can never exist. But without freedom, life ceases to exist. I choose life.
01-26-2006