Liberals Abandon Rights for Security

Robert Scheer fears that “liberty is dying, liberal by liberal” because America is tightening up on its internal security in order to stop more death and destruction to our citizens at the hands of those who wage a holy war against Western civilization (Commentary, Nov. 20). The fact is that horrific acts such as the attacks on the World Trade Center towers require strong immediate reaction such as has been taken; the Bush administration should be congratulated on its reaction to this totally unexpected act of terror. We have not been blessed with the time to endlessly debate each step of the process with those of Scheer’s bent.

The fact is that those who are considered to be liberals in the Congress and the media have overcome their natural reluctance to take action and have joined hands with the president to stand tall in the war on terrorism. Yes, we have reacted--and should have done so more three years ago when the Al Qaeda network took credit for killing Americans and promised to kill more, as pointed out by Scheer. However, a more liberal administration was in power, which chose to stand pat.

Doug Allen

Rancho Palos Verdes

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Scheer’s column is insightful and frightening. The ease with which we are casually giving up basic rights that so many people fought for over the last 300-plus years is extremely disconcerting. The idea of a judgmental, right-wing Christian fanatic running our Justice Department alone is enough to make one wonder where we are heading. My hope is that in the next congressional election and the following presidential election, candidates will make the case that Scheer is making and that voters will respond. Our challenge is to stick to the principles expressed in our Constitution even, or perhaps especially, in times of duress.

John Patrick “Pat” Ormsbee

Newport Beach

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Scheer has turned his earnest gaze from the half-full glass he keeps on his desk to the immediate future, which is fraught with danger for all of us who value our constitutional rights. Apparently, the detention of 1,000 persons in this country illegally will lead inevitably to the reestablishment of the camps at Manzanar. Scheer continues to man the ‘70s booth at the “free marketplace of ideas,” selling peace and love; meanwhile, Bin Laden and his ilk are out buying more death and destruction. But, hey, stick to your guns ... sorry, love beads ... Bob.

Lisalee Anne Wells

Long Beach