They are here, they have always been there, they will always be here. Its just that it seems like there are more because they have found ways to make their voices louder. Today there is a twist, the radicals are seeing the successes that groups like Al Qaeda have disrupting normal life and increasingly making the jump to terrorism.We have seen several foiled plots in the last few months, luckily for the prospective victims of these alleged attacks the attackers were not well trained, telegraphed their actions and were arrested. Luck is a fickle friend. I wouldn't base the safety of anyone in this nation solely upon it, but the apathy of this nation forces reliance upon it.
The arguments against the PATRIOT Act and NSA's wiretap program are plentifully and some of them I agree are valid. Franklin was wise to say that "Anyone who gives up liberty for security deserves neither". However Mr. Franklin didn't have the threat of suicide bombers blowing themselves up in the streets of Philadelphia. I wonder how Franklin, Adams and Jefferson would respond to these threats. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of hearing their point of view.
SO where does that leave us? It is obvious that terrorists have found a method that works well in against a free society. The question is, can we come up with a counter that stops them. Preferably before blowing up a crowded shopping center killing dozens of innocent people.
Reactive tactics are not going work against these cowards. Our approach has to be proactive. I understand the concerns over the loss of civil liberties, but if wiretapping and actions like it are not the answer, then what are? The opponents are very good at articulating their misgivings, but I have not, as of yet. heard them forward any alternatives.
I personally feel that we will see the events that are currently happening in other nations happen here. America will not be immune from terrorists, foreign or domestic. In my opinion, for us to have an avenue of recourse to prevent needless death and not pursue it makes us complicit to these heinous events. Doing nothing isn't an option we can afford, even if the threat were remote.... and its not.
