Terrorists Could Win
Through Knee-Jerk Legislation
Bob Tregilus
From: "Bob Tregilus"
To: "Cliff Walker" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: 9/11/2001
Date: September 13, 2001 5:04 AM
Hello Everyone:
My deepest heart felt condolences to all Americans.
The horrible events of yesterday, September 11, 2001, continue to terrorize our Nation today. The terrorists who launched yesterday's attacks are likely to win more victories in the near future -- not through similar attacks -- but by knee-jerk legislation and bureaucratic mandates. If we citizens allow our liberties to be sacrificed for temporary security -- the terrorists win.
Today, on NPR's Marketplace show, there were two stories: one was about the security Israelis contend with on a day to day basis. Imagine going to your favorite shopping mall, but before you can park your car it is thoroughly search by armed guards. Imagine being mandated to carry National Identification cards installed with microchips that document yours as well as your families history. Imagine being stopped, randomly, and searched. The above violations of privacy are a daily occurrence for Israeli citizens -- yet Israel's malls are still bombed. In the second story, a commentary by former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich, Reich stated that he felt security measures such as the ones described above are exactly what this country needs to prevent terrorism. Mr. Reich felt any violation of privacy is permissible to thwart terrorism.
If we allow are liberties to be sacrificed for security, or for any reason, we cease to be free -- we cease to live in a manner that define us as Americans -- the terrorists win. Further we cease to have a Constitution that is the government's guarantee, to us citizens, that certain rights are inalienable and will not be violated.
Please remember what Benjamin Franklin said in the Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759:
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Contact your congressperson, tell them you will not sacrifice liberty for security.
http://www.webslingerz.com/
The quicker our country returns to normal -- financial institutions resume operations, baseball games resume, air flights begin, concert performances resume-the less of a victory we allow the terrorists. Terrorists only win when they terrorize -- change the way their enemy live their lives. Only if we show them we are not terrorized will they lose.
My heart is broken but my resolve to live free is as strong as ever -- I will not be terrorized.
Be well,
Bob Tregilus
-----Libertarian Party Press Release Follows -----
=========================== Libertarian Party expresses "profound sorrow, grief for tragic loss of life" in terror attack Statement by Chairman James W. Lark in response to September 11 terrorist attacks: WASHINGTON, DC -- On behalf of the Libertarian Party, I wish to express our profound sorrow and grief for the tragic loss of life and suffering caused by yesterday's terrorist attacks. Our hearts go out to the victims and their grieving families and friends. Nothing we say can ease the devastation and sense of loss they feel -- and that every other American certainly shares -- but we stand with them in mourning the loss of friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, loved ones, and fellow citizens. The Libertarian Party condemns the vicious and barbaric attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. There is no excuse for such savage acts. No legitimate political or religious ideology can justify the murder of thousands of innocent people. These actions, and the revulsion they cause to all decent people around the world, demonstrate in the starkest way possible that the initiation of force is never an appropriate way to settle political or social differences. The result of such violence is more hatred, more grieving relatives and friends, more tombstones -- and, ultimately, more violence. Libertarians unequivocally reject the initiation of force as a solution to the disagreements between people and between governments. The Libertarian Party calls for justice to be meted out to the terrorists responsible for the attacks. However, we encourage the United States government to be sure that any response is appropriate and measured. Action should not be taken that will cause innocent people in other countries to be killed because of the actions of terrorists. Such a response would only continue the cycle of violence and revenge. The Libertarian Party calls on all Libertarians to aid our fellow Americans who have suffered from this horrible tragedy: Donate blood for the victims fighting for their lives in hospitals in New York and Washington, DC. Contribute to the charities that will assist the families and relatives. If you live near where the attacks took place, volunteer to assist in rescue or recovery efforts, as appropriate. And if you know any of the victims' families, offer solace and support in any way you can. Now is a time for all Libertarians to stand together to help those who are suffering. The Libertarian Party calls on all Americans to act with tolerance and kindness in the days to follow. A natural reaction after such a tragedy is to find a scapegoat -- to blame Arab-Americans, or individuals who practice the Islamic faith, or other people who are in some way different. We must rise above that impulse. If Americans turn down a path of hatred and intolerance, then the terrorists will have won. That's not the only way terrorists can win. In the past, some have responded to terrorism with proposals to restrict the civil liberties of Americans. We must resist that tendency. The fundamental rights that define the very essence of America should not be destroyed in an effort to deal with terrorism or any other problem. Citizens must remain ever vigilant that terrorists don't win by turning America into the kind of nation where our cherished freedoms are only a fading memory. Finally, the Libertarian Party hopes these attacks will elicit a thoughtful national discussion about how we can prevent similar tragedies in the future. Of course, there is no way to guarantee that evil will not strike again. However, a foreign policy that limits our intervention in the affairs and quarrels of other nations is a foreign policy that will reduce the chance that terrorists will want to strike at America. Peace and free trade with all nations, and entangling alliances with none, is a time-honored prescription for an America that is at peace with the world, and for a nation that has little to fear from the savage and bloodthirsty actions of terrorists. Again, our hearts go out to the thousands of Americans who suffered a loss during the terrible events of September 11, 2001. It is a tragic day that will live in our memories -- but is also a day that will allow the best of America to shine through by virtue of our response. End press release -- |
From: "Bob Tregilus"
To: "Positive Atheism Magazine" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Sent: September 15, 2001 2:17 AM
Subject: Re: 9/11/2001
Dear Mr. Walker:
Thanks, for posting my note. As you most likely know our liberty is at serious risk. Unfortunately, I don't foresee a positive outcome -- hopefully I'm wrong however.
Regarding your earlier request: Sorry, but do to a lack of time and an inability to concentrate I don't have (and I don't think it exists as an e-text anyway) Benjamin Franklin's "Historical Review of Pennsylvania" for 1759. At a latter date I hope to find it as I'd like to see the context of the quote as well. If I find the text online or at a college I'll let you know. I did, however, find this:
NUMBER: 3929 Note 1. |
Also, in regard to your PAM dispatch about Bush's Day of Remembrance, you state:
"Most shocking is the immediate and almost exploitative call to prayer and worship from the President on down. We atheists are baffled that we are being asked to beseech a deity who allegedly knew not only that this would happen but also how to prevent it from happening. No, this tragedy only reinforces our disbelief, and the response of the religionists only reinforces our disdain for faith." |
While I completely agree I think a little tolerance is due. This is, as you well know, a very diverse nation that has been inflicted with a horrific catastrophe. Let the misguided have their prayer. I really don't think it would benefit Atheists to denounce religion, in the public sphere, at this point in time. Later we can rejoin the fight and point out the obvious after the national shock abates a bit.
Keep up the great work!
Be well,
Bob Tregilus
Treasurer for the Libertarian Party of Washoe County:
http://www.lpneveda.org
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-- Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759.
From: "Positive Atheism Magazine" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
To: "Bob Tregilus"
Subject: Re: 9/11/2001
Date: September 15, 2001 3:01 AM
True, I threw in a few words about fundamentalism and the Problem of Evil, but lately I am not denouncing the religion as I am the exploitation. My overall message is to dignify religious expression and to lash out only at those expressions that are dangerous, exploitative, or intrusive. (I consider Bush's call to prayer to be all three.) This has been my overall message for over six years, now.
I think it is tantamount that we express how this ubiquitous call to prayer makes us feel (exploited; used; talked down to; the recipients of some sort of "message"; though by more than a few [e.g. Jerry Falwell; Pat Robertson] to be to blame for this catastrophe).
I also feel it is important to raise the hopes of my fellow atheist (you should see my Inbox) who not only endured an attack like the rest of the nation, but are enduring this call to worship on top of that. The hope that I offer is this: I feel that this catastrophe stands to severely damage the credibility of religion. I suspect that I am not the only one who feels this way, and that Bush and his religious supporters likewise see this catastrophe as a threat to the credibility of the notion of a personal deity. Thus, I suspect that this call to prayer and this ubiquitous call to worship is their way to try to patch up the damage that this catastrophe has done to God's reputation, as it were.
I am hoping to be able to say this without hurting the feelings and sensibilities of too many people, but this is impossible. I can only limit the damage by choosing my words carefully. But the choice being to speak or to remain silent? I will speak. I have remained silent before when my heart told me to speak, and I daily regret having done that. Never again!
Cliff Walker
Positive Atheism Magazine
Six years of service to
people with no reason to believe
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