Aclu And Other Civil Rights Groups Question Government War Actions
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other civil rights groups have questioned the government’s quick response to the September 11th tragedy that struck America by quickly expanding federal law enforcement that would infringe on civil liberties without any public showing [proof] that they will make us any safer.
Attorney General John Ashcroft received swift support for expanded federal law enforcement from both Congress and the President. More national security provisions are expected as the U.S. takes on a war footing, much as was seen during World War II.
“Obviously there is a need for heightened security, said Laura W. Murphy, director of the ACLU’s Washington National Office. “The ACLU’s goal is to monitor the proposals for increased law enforcement powers to ensure that they have maximum effectiveness with a minimal erosion of civil liberties.”
But the ACLU and other civil liberties groups want hearings and debates on these issues before legislation is passed, and that is absolutely unrealistic in wartime. If anything, it could undermine these organizations’ credibility and loyalty under extenuating national emergency circumstances that require rapid response.
While no American appreciates any loss of privacy or certain other civil rights under the U.S. Constitution, the public has already previously endured such circumstances for the duration of a war for collective national security. [RSH]
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