Fairness, liberty a boost in fight against terrorism

With America and our allies making progress against terrorism, it remains important to maintain respect for civil liberties.

Administration officials must take precautions against the kind of overreaction that, even while arguably meeting legal standards, can alienate large sectors of the public through its unfairness to individuals.

Both in its conduct abroad and at home, the Bush administration deserves the high public support it has received. Allied military forces have made remarkable progress in Afghanistan. Diplomatically, the administration has managed the challenges of coalition building with success. And, it appears that the overall approach to security at home is being conducted with policies that will respect civil liberties, at least if carried out reasonably.

Yet there is also reason for concern and prodding of the administration on issues of civil liberties. Constitutionally, the nation is committed to protecting and preserving the rights of all Americans. Morally, Americans are committed to fairness and justice for all, even foreign visitors and even during war time.

On Sunday, the top members of the Senate Judiciary Committee called on Attorney General John Ashcroft to give more explanation of the administration’s anti-terrrorism measures. Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy, the committee chair, and Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, the ranking minority member of the committee, said Ashcroft should appear before Congress to answer a host of questions about military tribunals, possible racial profiling and wiretaps of phone calls between suspects and their attorneys. It’s important for the administration to answer — and even welcome — questions from Congress.

The light of day is ultimately America’s greatest security against mistreatment of its own citizens and people living or visiting here. Even if the administration’s anti-terrorism policies make sense generally, individuals should receive fair treatment. Eleven weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks, though, Ashcroft’s Justice Department remains remarkably hesitant to provide any substantial accounting of the more than 1,200 people arrested afterward. Some 500 hundred remain in custody, mostly on minor matters or for immigration violations that normally would not justify imprisonment. Fewer than two dozen are considered to have any connection to or knowledge of terrorists.

America gains nothing and risks losses when it treats people harshly over violations far less threatening than terrorism. We risk creating a pervasive climate of fear even among our own citizens, especially if they are of Middle Eastern origin. If we aren’t careful, we can also feed the misperceptions of people whose support around the world can be valuable.

Worst of all, though, we harm our own commitment to fairness and liberty when we allow individuals to suffer extended imprisonment over largely technical offenses. We need stronger enforcement of immigration laws and we need the increased attention to security that the administration and Congress have provided. But we also must maintain balance and fairness if the fight against terrorism is to be won in a way that earns lasting respect abroad and, more importantly, at home.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Feb. 17

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Comment: No one saw Musk’s DOGE rampage coming or its threat

With no formal grant of authority, Musk is making cuts without fully understanding the consequences.

Douthat: Trump is chasing off lawyers he’ll need at some point

The deal to clear Adams serves Trump only as a way of identify whom he can consider loyal in the DOJ.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, Feb. 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

President Donald Trump listens alongside Elon Musk as he explains the administration’s cost-cutting efforts in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. Musk has for weeks posted on social media about government spending, often amplifying and seeding false information. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
Comment: This crisis can’t be left to courts alone

The courts can uphold the law, but they can’t match the speed of the executive branch in tearing down systems.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

Stick with solutions to homelessness that have heart

A friend of mine, a poet from Leningrad who was born during… Continue reading

SAVE Act would restrict voting rights

As a mother, I am flabbergasted by the continued and increasing attacks… Continue reading

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.