srothstein wrote:iflyabeech wrote:How do we fight terrorism? I suggest we do it the same way we have been fighting crime for 100 years, by good police work and intelligence. Terrorists are criminals and we can use the same old standard tools for fighting it without violating people's rights. We do not need the "new" powers of the patriot act, nor do we need to give up the right against unreasonable search and seizure without a warrant.
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Terrorists have specific social and political goals. Because of this, they are soldiers, not criminals. Because they don't wear uniforms and are not state actors, they are subject to the same laws that pertain to sabotuers.
While there has to be due process, and where possible use the Law to get them, but sometimes, its not enough.
Letting someone do a bunch of dry runs at an airline or a public building who has known ties to terrorists is stupid. All that is left is for the assault team to come into the country and execute the plans laid down.
Letting someone rent safehouses, outfit training setups in warehouses, buy and position vehicles who has known ties to terrorism is stupid.
The above two types of activities are clear indicators of impending attacks, yet under the previous legal framework, nothing could be done. Nor could the calls and correspondence of these people be tracked.
Now, it can be.
The law can list the types of activities which trigger specific powers and the law itself can have sunset provisions.
Failure to address the problem properly will lead to a much worse situation from the standpoint of civil liberties - public unrest, loss of faith in law enforcement, vigilante justice, and the rise of domestic terrorism.