Security or Freedom?

Dave —

This is a pretty common debate in the U.S. at the moment. We have always recognized a need to sacrifice some freedoms for the security of the nation during times of war - this is common to every civilization on the planet. This is even more pointed now that we are fighting an enemy we really cannot see. Americans - and foreigners of all nationality are now subject to greater scrutiny at airports and other sensitive areas, and the strange case of American's caught engaging in acts of terrorism or fighting against the United States has led to their denial of access to the courts. Few people argue that these are not germane to national security, and certainly these reforms are popular, but the question is how far is too far if we still want to remain a liberal democracy.

It's the same with Britain as well, Tony blair just recently unveiled a set of new measures to combat terrorism within the UK (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4748717.stm) However already people are beginning to question just how much freedom they are willing to sacrifice in return for security from the state. (http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page8075.asp).

So where do we draw the line?

Forum

You — Thu, 18 Aug 2005 - 23:40

The problem arises when the freedoms you sacrifice do not actually make you any more secure...

Dave — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 - 22:59

[quote="Admin"]The problem arises when the freedoms you sacrifice do not actually make you any more secure...[/quote]

I dunno, terrorism is one of those things I really do not think we can totally avoid - even the administration isn't selling a 100% terror-proof plan. But there are certainly ways to prevent it from being as destructive as it could be. It's hard to gage if the Patriot Act has helped or if terrorists just haven't struck but ultimately does it matter if we are trading our national identity for security?

Omrow — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 - 01:09

Salam

President Bush says that terrorists are fighting us because they hate our freedoms.

I agree with him.

But then he himself goes and many freedoms that Al Qaeda is suppose to be targeting.

I can only conclude, logically, that he is doing Bin Laden's job for him.

Omrow

Seraphim — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 - 10:57

Omrow, not completely wrong there.

The job of terrorists is to create terror. To upset a state into a frenzy that will cause them to start giving up their freedoms and to inspire terror among the people and spreading paranoia.

We're playing right into their hands.

*DUST* — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 - 12:20

[quote][b]Bush stands firm over spying row[/b]

President George W Bush insists he has not compromised civil liberties, after it was alleged he authorised people in the US to be bugged without a warrant.

A storm of protest erupted after the New York Times said the National Security Agency (NSA) was allowed to eavesdrop on hundreds of people.

Senators from both sides called for an explanation and investigation....[/quote]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4536838.stm

:|

*DUST* — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 - 12:25

[quote][b]Senate blocks Patriot Act clauses[/b]

The US Senate has rejected an attempt to reauthorise several sections of the main US anti-terror law.

A bipartisan group of senators opposed the Patriot Act measures as infringing too much on Americans' civil liberties.

The bill's supporters in the Senate were able to muster only 52 of the 60 votes needed to stop it being blocked.

The vote is a blow to President George Bush and Republican leaders, who had pushed for most of the expiring Patriot Act provisions to be made permanent....[/quote]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4536418.stm

Dave — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 - 15:54

I love John McCain... thinking about joining up with his election campaign this year.

He's like a new Teddy Roosevelt - he's his own little miniparty.

laila — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 - 20:07

there should be a poll. i choose freedom all the way we have enough rules and reg to contend with

i feel that it is the purpose of all governments to rule a nation that is controlled taking away freedoms and becoming their daddy is all aimed to fullfil this purpose

if it wasnt terrorist threats it would be something else

Omrow — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 - 20:15

Salam

[quote="seema*"]i choose freedom all the way...[/quote]

Spoken like a lioness.

Tipu Sultan of India once said: " It is better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years like a jackal."

Omrow

Dave — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 - 21:38

Freedom's been splendid - let's give security a try for a bit!

Spice things up a bit.

You — Sun, 18 Dec 2005 - 01:07

I do not see it as a 'either', 'or' type of thing.

A lack of freedom will cause a lack of security.

Dawud — Sun, 18 Dec 2005 - 18:15

[quote="Don Karnage"]Freedom's been splendid - let's give security a try for a bit!

Spice things up a bit.[/quote]

Why are terrorist trying to destroy the US ?

Dave — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 - 16:47

[quote="Dawud"][quote="Don Karnage"]Freedom's been splendid - let's give security a try for a bit!

Spice things up a bit.[/quote]

Why are terrorist trying to destroy the US ?[/quote]

They hate Sweden

judda — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 - 12:49

[quote="Don Karnage"][quote="Dawud"][quote="Don Karnage"]Freedom's been splendid - let's give security a try for a bit!

Spice things up a bit.[/quote]

Why are terrorist trying to destroy the US ?[/quote]

They hate Sweden[/quote]

why?

Dawud — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 - 23:33

[quote="Don Karnage"][quote="Dawud"][quote="Don Karnage"]Freedom's been splendid - let's give security a try for a bit!

Spice things up a bit.[/quote]

Why are terrorist trying to destroy the US ?[/quote]

They hate Sweden[/quote]

So what you're saying (hit the defensive, if someone opens with this line)
is that anyone who hates Sweden is a terrorist trying to destroy the US.

Omrow said something about clothes, but I'm not getting anythng.

Maybe its something to do with the Mexicans?

Omrow — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 - 00:51

Salam

No. Mexicans have nothing to do with it.

Its all about garments. Think about it.

Omrow