Comments Posted By LaurenceB
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WHAT KIND OF COUNTRY DO WE WANT TO BE?
Re: The ACLU (in response to John Sementa #9)
John,
You are correct that the ACLU sometimes takes positions that seem extreme - especially in regard to the separation of Church and state.However, I think you overstate your case when you ask the question: "When has the ACLU done anything to protect my rights in the last 20 years or so?".
The fact of the matter is that when the ACLU defends the rights of a "Lefwing radical or Islamic terrorist" they are indeed protecting your rights. Consider the case of Jose Padilla, who may very well be an Islamic terrorist, but is also a citizen of the United States. He was arrested without charges and was refused access to a lawyer The government has been holding him indefinitely without offering him a chance to defend himself in court. This is in clear violation of his Constitutional rights on several counts. I would submit that when the ACLU defends Mr. Padilla's rights, they are also protecting your rights. Which answers your question.
Now - If the ACLU did not exist, who would do that?
Comment Posted By LaurenceB On 3.11.2005 @ 09:29
I'm a first time visitor (by way of Balloon Juice). I just wanted to compliment you on your post. Very thorough and well-presented. I've added your blog to my list.
Comment Posted By LaurenceB On 3.11.2005 @ 08:47
