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Hate speech unworthy/ Where is the line drawn?
By Jon Bambenek and Matt Simmons
Posted: 8/30/05 Section: Opinions
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Such a law would be difficult to enforce because of the vague meaning of what it is to foment and justify terrorism. For example, Rev. Jerry Falwell has continuously justified the bombings of abortion clinics that have killed dozens of innocent people. Has he fomented and justified terrorism? If a person states that terrorists attacked us because of our unnecessary presence in Saudi Arabia, has he justified terrorism?
Most importantly, this law would make Americans less safe. Like the Iraq War, this measure would amplify our negative image among most of the Middle East. We would be making it easier for Islamic extremists to falsely portray us as a tyrannical bully and could increase the number of terrorists that are determined to kill Americans. Also, the practical effect of this law would not be to decrease the number of terrorist sympathizers, but to silence them. Instead of knowing who sympathizes with terrorists and who might require surveillance, we will have no indication of who is a terrorist supporter. It would be intelligent to learn who your enemy is rather than to encourage their secrecy. Simply put, this proposal is impractical, tyrannical and will compromise national security.
Ben Franklin, who warned cowards against surrendering liberty over 200 years ago, once said, "They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security deserve neither liberty nor security."
Matt Simmons
Most importantly, this law would make Americans less safe. Like the Iraq War, this measure would amplify our negative image among most of the Middle East. We would be making it easier for Islamic extremists to falsely portray us as a tyrannical bully and could increase the number of terrorists that are determined to kill Americans. Also, the practical effect of this law would not be to decrease the number of terrorist sympathizers, but to silence them. Instead of knowing who sympathizes with terrorists and who might require surveillance, we will have no indication of who is a terrorist supporter. It would be intelligent to learn who your enemy is rather than to encourage their secrecy. Simply put, this proposal is impractical, tyrannical and will compromise national security.
Ben Franklin, who warned cowards against surrendering liberty over 200 years ago, once said, "They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security deserve neither liberty nor security."
Matt Simmons
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