I’m in the midst of grading exams for my American Government class. Here is one of the essay questions I asked:
In the days since 9/11, new limits have been put on our civil liberties. What do you think about those? Are limits on civil liberties warranted by the potential threat posed by terrorism? Why or why not? What about TSA air travel screening? How much is an “unreasonable search”? Does if violate privacy? Should privacy be a concern?
Now, keeping in mind that the answers have almost all fallen a little short (in that they have failed to even completely answer the question), here are some examples of the types of answers I’m getting.
People may not understand, but these limits on civil liberties are for our best. They are not meant to harm us so what harm have these limits done? I would rather go on a plane knowing I’ll be safely on the ground. The fact of the matter is we don’t live in a perfect world and if a TSA screening or “unreasonable search” is going to save my life then thank God. People should be more concerned with their protection than with their rights and privacy. Yah, it may be a privacy thing to some, but to others it’s a safety thing, and the way the U.S is they protect their people.
And…
After 9/11 new limits were established, yes, but I find them to be justified. When a country goes through a terrorist attack such as those on 9/11 it changes things, for everyone. I would think everyone should be more than willing to take a little more time for checking and scanning at the airport if it means the prevention of thousands of lives once again lost. Privacy shouldn’t be an issue really. If it is then they can easily drive. It’s just a matter of fact and logic that when huge disasters happen in our country, preventions will be made and taken for the future.
Libertarians, arm up, start canning your food, and learn to live independently. This is what 18-20 year olds believe today: “Government is here to help us” and “Government would never do anything that isn’t for our own good.”
LLE
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