Description

Executive Summary

When terrorists perpetrate atrocities against

innocent American civilians, the public response is

initially one of shock, which then quickly turns into

anger. It is also common for people to experience a

deep sense of anxiety in the aftermath of such

attacks--especially as they hear poignant stories

about fellow citizens who were so suddenly and

unexpectedly killed. Such stories are a harsh

reminder of one's own mortality and vulnerability.

Government officials typically respond to terrorist

attacks by proposing and enacting

"antiterrorism" legislation. To assuage the wide-spread

anxiety of the populace, policymakers

make the dubious claim that they can prevent

terrorism by curtailing the privacy and civil liberties

of the people. Because everyone wants to be

safe and secure, such legislation is usually very

popular and passes the legislative chambers of

Congress with lopsided majorities. As the president

signs the antiterrorism bill into effect, too

many people indulge in the assumption that

they are now safe, since the police, with their

newly acquired powers, will somehow be able to

foil the terrorists before they can kill again. The

plain truth, however, is that it is only a matter of

time before the next attack.

This cycle of terrorist attack followed by government

curtailment of civil liberties must be

broken--or our society will eventually lose the

key attribute that has made it great: freedom.

The American people can accept the reality that

the president and Congress are simply not capable

of preventing terrorist attacks from occurring.

Policymakers should stop pretending otherwise

and focus their attention on combating

terrorism within the framework of a free society.