After I had a conversation with my granddaughter this past weekend about the Patriot Act, I would like to submit to you these thoughts.
The Patriot Act has been controversial since it was passed following Sept. 11, 2001. The law was made to make it difficult, if not impossible, for terrorists to attack the United States and its interests. With the acceptance of the Patriot Act, we are accepting the loss of liberty and privacy for a limited amount of time. Keep in mind the words of Jefferson, If you give up a little liberty for a little security, soon you have neither. Do not, however, commit suicide when the enemy has found a way to use our very own constitution as they did our very own airplanes to destroy us.
Let us for a moment trust our elected leaders, who have taken an oath to preserve protect and defend the constitution of the United States. This oath was prescribed by our forefathers. All the Presidents of the United States starting with George Washington have taken this oath. All elected officials, including some who are appointed, such as the School Superintendent, have taken this oath.
Marshal Law is a complete suspension of the constitution. The Patriot Act is very watered down version of that. The United States must do what is necessary to preserve itself. Therefore, the constitution is not a suicide pact; Presidents have suspended it totally before. President Lincoln suspended the constitution when he put Washington D.C. under Marshall Law. President Roosevelt [FDR] also put Hawaii under Marshall Law during World War II. FDR also put the Japanese in internment camps. America has not taken this step with the Muslims but we do need to be aware of what is going on, thus the Patriot Act.
America is the worlds last best hope for freedom.
Hugh Fleet
Marysville