Alleged Boston bombers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev photographed at the Marathon |
Several polls have been conducted following the Boston Marathon bombings and the results show that Americans are becoming ever more reluctant to trade away their rights for any greater sense of safety. In fact, some data suggests that many people are becoming more concerned about government abusing power than they are of terrorism itself.
While most all desire relative safety, it appears that Americans are maturing in the idea that we live in a complex, sometimes dangerous world. Given that, the most prudent thing we can do moving forward is to be vigilant and help each other out in a time of crisis.
Of course, not everyone feels this way. In a recent statement, the mayor of New York City proclaimed” The people who are worried about privacy have a legitimate worry. But we live in a complex world where you’re going to have to have a level of security greater than you did back in the olden days, if you will. And our laws and our interpretation of the Constitution, I think, have to change.”
I note however that the oath for president of the United States contains the solemn promise to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.” There is no ambiguity when it comes to hard fought freedoms and rights.
Throughout the course of history, threats will change and politicians will come and go. But on issues of freedom and liberty Americans must remain steadfast in their convictions. For to trade away rights and freedoms for the promise of safety (real or imagined) will only serve to hand the terrorists their most treasured victory.
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