Let Us Be Vigilant

By

Ron Willis

I am a normally conservative person, who supported and voted for President Bush in the past election. I recently retired from police service, following a 30 year career.  I believe in, and cherish our American heritage and our way of life.  I believe we as a free people, need to use every means possible to combat terrorism, both at home and abroad.  If that requires the use of military force, then that force should be applied with great vigor.  If in some instances, diplomatic, or economic pressure will achieve the desired result, then that should be the option used.

What concerns me most about the President's strategy in response to the terror of Sept. 11th, is the creation of the office of Homeland Security.  There will no doubt be a flurry of bills proposed in Congress in an effort to make our nation a more secure place.  My greatest fear is, what may be hidden in those bills and executive orders.  Citizens of and visitors to the United States, enjoy a great deal of personal freedom, which is one of the reasons we are so hated by some tyrants around the globe.  Let us not, in our rush to safety, surrender those freedoms.  Let us jealously guard and protect our liberty.  It was Benjamin Franklin who said it best;  "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

I have heard the phrase "guarantee the safety of Americans" used a lot lately.  In an open and free society, there can be no such guarantee.  If someone is determined, and willing to die for their cause, there is little that can be done to stop them.  We can use all resources at our command to deter and prevent further attacks, but if we do so at the cost of our personal liberties, the terrorists will have achieved one of their goals. 

Personal safety is merely a perception based upon individual comfort levels.  How often in reports of violence, have we heard the phrase; "I never thought that could happen here?"  The people making those statements, believed their individual comfort zones were somehow immune from danger.  No matter where "here" is, there are no truly safe places.  Crime and violence can, and often does, occur anywhere, whether "here" is an inner-city poor neighborhood, or suburban gated community.

Let us support President Bush, our government and our way of life.  Also let us be vigilant and jealously guard our freedoms, from perhaps well meaning and well intentioned efforts to make us feel more secure. 

	Ron Willis, Detective (Ret.) Gresham, Oregon Police Pioneer461@comcast.net
http://www.ci.gresham.or.us/departments/pd/headquarters.htm Disclaimer: All comments are the personal opinion of the writer and not intended to represent any government agency, whatsoever.