Ashcroft Testifies on Anti-Terror Proposal

In reference to lawmakers who oppose Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft’s proposed anti-terrorism legislation (Sept. 25): Before Sept. 11, we had lulled ourselves to sleep under the delusion that ultimate freedoms can coexist in a world that contains individuals given to unspeakable evils. We had all convinced ourselves that atrocities happened to the impoverished masses in faraway lands. We thought our wealth, technology, military strength and commitment to the ideals of freedom would insulate us.

I am more than willing to sacrifice some “privacy” and put up with “inconveniences” such as more intensive security checkpoints in public places. We need to take a lesson from countries like Israel that have made sacrifices of personal freedoms in order to minimize terrorism risks. It is impossible to make the world completely safe. But it is time for Americans to start making some of the sacrifices necessary to live realistically in a world forever changed.

Law-abiding citizens whose motives are good and consciences are clear should not fear being wiretapped or undergoing surveillance. I believe the intentions of our leaders are to go after those whose actions directly threaten our peace and safety. Americans will not stand for the extreme repression the “personal privacy” advocates fear.

Carla Mull

Artesia

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These are heady days for the legions of special agents from the FBI, customs, IRS criminal investigation, the ATF and other agencies that are investigating the terrorist threat against America. These men and women deserve the support and backing of the American people, in the same way that we back our soldiers headed for war. They are doing a tremendous job uncovering the details of the terrorist plot, with breakneck speed and skill. From the complex “money trail” to the trail of debris left behind at the World Trade Center site, they are our greatest resource in pursuing the enemy within our borders and protecting us from yet another catastrophic attack.

Charles E. Mullaly

South Pasadena

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Americans who see the virtue of trading civil liberties for an enhanced sense of security should slow down and be careful what they are wishing for, because they might get it. Do we really want to live in an environment where the government can read our e-mail, require internal passports and search our property without warrants? To those who would advance the argument that even the most extreme legislation can be repealed, I would like to point out that it is not always easy to rid ourselves of such laws. While this legislation might target the bad guys, in reality it would most affect law-abiding citizens. Thus, we could end up sacrificing our freedom only to lose the fight against terrorism.

Joan Walston

Santa Monica