War on terror vs. civil liberties

Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.

- Benjamin Franklin

Civil liberties set limits for government so that it can not abuse its power and interfere with the lives of its citizens. Common civil liberties include freedom of association, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech, and additionally, to due process, to a fair trial, to bear arms, and to privacy.

How do we find balance between liberty and security in today's world? Since September 11, the government adopted some controversial new tactics intended to improve the security, including warrantless eavesdropping on phone calls, secret demands for records under the Patriot Act, FBI sting operations against people thought to be potential terrorists, etc. But just how far should the government go in protecting us?

The Bush Administration contends these tactics have helped to save American lives, but many critics say they have severely damaged our individual liberties.