Balance
Reader comment on item: [The Abu Ali Case and] Balancing Liberties, Security

Submitted by Dan Katcher (United States), Mar 3, 2005 at 12:46

It is inevitable that someone will cry foul when any balance tips one way or the other. The larger issue is an existential one for the US. I do not perceive that rights are absolute and inviolate when they lead to societal/national suicide. While sexually frustrated militant male muslims may look forward to destroying themselves, I do not believe this country does the same. While a good faith effort should be made not to incarcerate or otherwise violate the liberties of the innocents, I believe that at the present time, I would err or the side of national survival! That means some toes may get stepped on, including mine(& I'll be the first to scream) but the issue is larger than me, it is about this nation's security and longevity.

In the past, a guy with a bow and arrow or even a handgun could do limited damage; the possibility of significant mayhem and danger is not at a level that we need to be cautious all the time, not just once in a while. For those with a short memory, think what 19 crazies did on 9/11/01.

If Mr. Abu Ali is indeed innocent, which I highly doubt, then his ordeal is unfortunate; if he is guilty, then woe to us if he is released to continue his plotting w his colleagues. And finally, the the other big issue is the "religion" of islam. While it may make this country uncomfortable to directly address this, perhaps it is time to understand that fundamentalist islam is no longer what we recognize as a religion but a totalitarian ideology wrapped in a protective religious cloak of.

As always, unless one can correctly label a problem, one cannot devise a solution to the problem.

Greatly appreciate Dr. Pipes' work.

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