Radiofree West Hartford - Terrorists Have More Rights Than You by Edward L. Daley

Terrorists Have More Rights Than You

By Judson Cox

June 25, 2004

The FBI estimates that there are 2-5,000 al Qaeda terrorists within our nation. These terrorists are, by all appearances, leading the lives of average American citizens. They await an ideal moment to strike in the most horrible and shocking manner possible. In addition, there are thousands more Islamic terrorists of various affiliation - Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Hamas, etc - also raising funds, organizing, waiting to slaughter Americans. Given the numbers of terrorists within our nation, you would think that our law enforcement agencies would be taking every reasonable action possible to capture terrorists - you would be wrong. Law enforcement's hands are being tied by unreasonable civil rights considerations.

Following the 9-11 attacks, I heard a very disturbing account by Donna Ballenger, the wife of US Congressman Cass Ballenger (R-NC). Just a few doors down from their house in DC, was an Islamic center/mosque. The activities of those attending this center were suspicious and threatening. Law enforcement verified that the center was under investigation. However, Mrs. Ballenger was informed that until someone from the center actually engaged in an act of overt terrorism, no action could be taken. She was told that there was nothing law enforcement could do to protect the residents of the neighborhood from these suspected terrorists, because, as an officer said, "they have more rights than you."

If civil rights advocates have so hamstrung law enforcement that it is powerless to protect a neighborhood full of US Congressmen, average Americans have little hope for our safety. Consider security screening at our airports; little old ladies and small children are being strip searched in a supposed effort to prevent more 9-11 style attacks. According to, 9-11 commissioner John Lehman "it was the policy (before 9-11) and I believe remains the policy today to fine airlines if they have more than two young Arab males in secondary questioning because that's discriminatory."

These measures are in the name of protecting the civil rights of Muslims. The ultimate violation of one's rights is being murdered; however, civil rights extremists care little for the rights of average Americans. They even agitate for the repeal of the Patriot Act, which allows law enforcement to use the same tools against terrorists that they use to combat organized crime. If civil rights advocates continue to progressively undermine law enforcement, the American public will have no choice but to defend our homes and our families - our nation - ourselves.

During World War Two, civilians were encouraged, and even required to take an active role in civil defense. They were to look for German and Japanese saboteurs, and to take any measures necessary to prevent the damage such agents could inflict. That was back when military service was mandatory, and a man was expected not only to know how to use a gun, but to be willing to defend his family, neighbors and nation. Now, such a proposal seems somewhat odd. Perhaps America has become so liberal, dependant and effeminate that the Second Amendment no longer applies. That's the one that says, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

Civil defense need not seem so extreme; consider the following scenario: You followed Ed McMahon's advice, and formed a neighborhood watch. In the course of your watching, you stumble across a Jose Padilla, who was trained to fill apartments with natural gas, and blow them up to achieve maximum death tolls. You find him filling an apartment with gas. You consider calling the police, but realize that by the time they arrive, it would be too late. You already reported his suspicious activities, and they did nothing for fear of offending a Muslim. What would you do? I would exercise my Second Amendment rights!

This is not the best option. A dead terrorist cannot divulge valuable information. Also, if untrained, average Americans like me have to take matters into our own hands, more likely than not, some innocent Muslims are going to be harmed. If the civil rights extremists have their way however, this may be our only option. In an effort to protect the feelings of terrorists, they place not only the average Americans in danger, but peaceful, law abiding Muslim Americans as well.