Seven years have passed since the horrid terrorist attacks of 9/11. The U.S. government can best mark the anniversary by continuing to target groups which threaten Americans, but also by respecting the liberties upon which our nation is based. So says Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party nominee for President.

HALLANDALE BEACH – THE VOICE magazine/Advancing Christian Life & Culture

“The Bush administration deserves credit for having done much to disable al Qaeda as an effective terrorist organization,” Barr says.  “However, early on, the administration took its eye off of the ball when it shifted troops from searching for Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan to use in the unnecessary war in Iraq.  Now, the situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating badly.

Moreover, Barr says, the Bush administration engaged in a sustained attack on the liberty and privacy of Americans in the name of combating terrorism.  It drafted the Patriot Act, which provided the federal government with powers well beyond those necessary to confront potential terrorists, and it initiated an illegal surveillance program of telephone calls and emails, ignoring both the Constitution and the law, Barr contends.

“Obviously, the federal government has a responsibility to protect Americans from terrorist threats,” Barr notes. “However, equally fundamental is the government’s responsibility to respect the liberties which the federal government is tasked to protect.  If we sacrifice those basic freedoms, then truly the terrorists have won.”

As president, Barr says he will focus U.S. law enforcement and military efforts on terrorists who have targeted Americans. He says he will not allow his administration to be sidetracked by unnecessary wars and interventions, such as in Iraq. As for Iraq, he says he  will quickly withdraw U.S. troops, leaving Iraqis in control of their own destinies. And at home, he says he will restore the Constitution as the guide for U.S. policy.

“The government must combat those who wish Americans ill, but it must act within the law, ensuring accountability for U.S. officials. That means appropriate limits on and oversight of all surveillance, arrests, trials and imprisonment.  Never can we forget that the American government is one of laws, not of men,” Barr concludes.

“The attacks of 9/11 leave us with great responsibility for the future. We must defend Americans from those outside who threaten violence. We also must defend Americans from those at home who would sacrifice our liberties.”

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