Memorial Wall There must be constant vigilance by "we, the people" to ensure that our constitutional rights are defended! I will not trade my freedom for security. I believe in getting our freedoms back so deeply thank you..... great psa.. We must avoid destroying, while attempting to protect our constition. Fear must not override our common sense. Without our inalienable
and constitutional rights we would forfeit our humanity. Freedom might not be free, but it's what this country is about. My name is Abraham, and I am a third year medical student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. I strongly support those who adhere to the Constitution and oppose those who violate it. Our current state of politics needs to adhere to the Constitution, for this country was founded on it! Without
our rights and responsibilities from the constitution, Bill of Rights and declaration of independence, we would be proof that we were no longer citizens of the united states, and without a citizen, the country and it's idealism would die. This is supposed to be the land of the free. Equality and freedom for all, meaning no one is treated like a second-class citizen. Racial/Religious profiling is still a violation of our basic rights. If we don't
safeguard our freedoms, then Osama bin Laden has won the war.. I refuse to allow the ignorance of others rule the way I live my life. Have the courage to stand up for freedom. Complete Clear Unadulterated Freedom for All who live within the Shores of our Great Nation If we change our way of life then we have lost against the terrorists. When we give up our civil rights for false protection, the enemy has won.
"... I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." End governing by FEAR it's ten years :restore the Republic and the Bill of Rights. End "endless wars" NOW John, Lord Acton, said"The most certain test by which we judge whether a countrty is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by minorities." Time to pay attention, America! Let's help to
eradicate the poisoning of people's minds, their lives, their freedoms, and replace it all with what people like us know what matter: LOVE and PEACE. True liberty follows from the maintenance of our principals when they are challenged. We must continue to defend the right of Freedom of Religion, as well as racial and gender justice. Keeping the ACLU strong is a big pe\art of that. Why should we ask our children to fight for Freedom for
other nations, while losing our Freedoms here at home. The price of Freedom is blood. I consider the ACLU the most important organization in the United States of American in defending the freedoms that we all enjoy. They come to the aid of the little guy time and time again. If you don't start listening to us and obeying your oath of office you will be fired± there are already TOO MANY home-grown american terrorists (h a t s)
subverting, ignoring, defying and destroying our constitution. i feel that MY america is already dead, as thankfully, i probably will be soon, as well I believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. I have watched our country take away the freedom that our soldiers, including
myself have fought for slip away. I will not live in fear. During this day we should remember those brave people who sacrficed their lives to save so many others. Our hearts go out to their families. September 11th exposed an uncomfortable vulnerability in the united states. Rightly so, we reacted and overreacted to that feeling of discomfort. That was only human. But to continuously use the memory of that disaster as an excuse to hide behind hate and
anger is simply inhuman. Since 9/11/2001 I have wanted to negotiate for peace in non-violent and transparent ways. I feel this is essential for preserving the ideals on which this nation was founded We all need to be vigilent now more than ever, protect our freedoms from within, don't give in or look away when the ultra right are doing their best to throw away our freedom. NO MORE INJUSTICE IN THE UNITED STATES. NO MORE
RACISM IN THE UNITED STATES. NO MORE DISCRIMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. Our Republic was founded on civil liberties. Safe? Not at the price of abandoning our principles. We should not give up our democratic values because of 9/11. We need to remain strong in our fight for civil liberties and justice for all. Stand up for your freedom. A country without freedom isn't worthy of being
protected. I want live in the America that follows and defends the Constitution. We should be free and not be guided by fear. Our government should always follow the Consitution and the Bill of Rights. To those who say "my country, right or wrong", I say we must only do right by our constitution. Our strength and resilience demands a commitment to our values. We are actually expatriating because of these
governmental abuses. Goodbye USA! If people don't take a stand, the will be no United States in 20 years. With freedom comes responsibility. It is the responsibility of our leaders to honor that freedom. A new revolution is reguired to take back our freedom! Resist oppression! Please repeal the Patriot Act! It does nothing but allow the government to spy on us! GET RID OF IT! We can prevent future terrorist
attacks here and abroad by taking action against anyone committing those acts. Racial and religius profiling are not the answer. Tim McVeigh and Terry Nichols were white Christian Americans involved in the Oklahoma City bombings. We must end the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and yes, Libya and not start any more unnecessary wars and we must not meddle in other nations' affairs I beleive our world has been dragged down and is still in process of going through the dirt and for our
children we need to build this world back up before it is too late. 9/11 was a day of tragedy that could have united the world against terrorism. Instead, it was used as a power grab in every sense. Now more than ever, I understand just how precious our freedoms and protections are. The American people lost far more than innocence on 9/11. To stand like sheep in a pasture with others surrounding us is easy. To be the few voices to wander outside with no
fear, only courage, is what makes us Americans. We have the power to say enough is enough, and I intend to fight and scream every step of the way to preserve what little of America I have been able to witness. 22 and ambitious. 9/11 was a terrible incident, not only I felt that it was a crime against humanity, I also realized that my faith was hijacked. Since we have given up our civil liberties, I can honestly say the terrorists got exactly what they
wanted. We rebuild!!! And always remember. ... #Remember911 #URinOURhearts #NYC #flight93 #pentagon #USA What one next thing can I do? Instead of undermining civil liberties in the name of the fallen of 9-11, we should truly honor them by providing complete healthcare to the first responders and those that worked in the ruins afterward. Let's remember why this country was founded. Stand up for
what you believe in. Fight for your rights. Speak when you know what's going on is wrong. Those who abuse the tragedy of 9/11 for their own hypocritical & self-serving political ends inflict more damage on the Constitution and American people than terrorists ever could. Homeland Security has taken away many of our freedoms, but has not made us any safer In order for the law to be respected, it must be followed. Without
respect, the good laws are ignored along with the bad. This is uncivilised. It is when threatened, that our commitment to freedom and tolerance is truly tested. Now that we have "buried" the "master-mind" at sea, when will we go after the REAL terrorists, Bush and his minions? Patriotism is honor. Jingoism is not. We got jingoism after 9 / 11. NH State Motto: Live Free or Die I believe
America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. 9/11 was a great atrocity on our own soil, we can't let them win by allowing our government to take away our freedoms. I believe we will remain a free society if we practice what we preach: fair treatment for all people. I will continue to fight for my rights and the rights of my fellow citizens. The rights guaranteed in our constitution are what make our country great. We must protect them at all times, especially times of trouble. I believe whole heartedly that we need to stand unified as a community. Leaving prejudices of gender, race, age, disability, and cultural background all at the door and see one another, as brothers and sisters regardless of our many
differences but look instead to how we are similar and form a cohesive people rather than a people splintered by fear and hatred. I believe in the America that my mother and grandparents grew up in, the one I was taught to respect as an Army brat... I fear I no longer live in that America. Freedom isn't free...we must learn and act towards rights for every person. I cannot believe....comphrehend..that they have 'no room' for the
police, fire, EMS.. Pathway police to commerate the 10th anniversary... I know how hard it was for our country that awful fateful day...but to dishonor the very people, who went into those buildings..to die..is totally unacceptable... Fear is never a reason to take away a citizen's right to vote nor their rights provided by the constitution.. Quit taking our freedoms away and promoting fear and discrimination. Erasing our freedoms
reduces us to authoritarianism, serfdom and willy nilly justice. We have to see through those hiding behind flags who claim to be those authorities and to recognize their deceptive language and tactics if we are to stop them. Let's rid of the dog and pony show HLS measures to reduce our deficit GOD and his word was founded on this country.......people choose to forget that Indict those who turned 9/11 into an "opportunity" to profit
from suffering, to raid tax dollars, to inflict more death and suffering -- and then to break the "American Dream." Learn for the past don't repeat it Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is doing the right thing even when you're afraid. During times of real danger and fear, it takes courage to stand for the principles of freedom and justice articulated in our Constitution. Keep our freedom from our enemies outside and
inside the USA. Those who want to take away our civil liberties we shall consider them our enemies. Some things are better forgotten than remembered especially when it brings you pain & suffering. The US Constitution places property before human life the reason why no one adheres to it in modern day real life mainstream America! The PATRIOT Act is anything but patriotic. It is the codified dismantling of our basic freedoms, and must be repealed
now. The U.S. Constitution is sacrosanct. DO NOT VIOLATE. We need to be strong and maintain our freedom, once we lose our freedoms or give them away, then they have already won. What can we do to stop it? I beleive in the country our forefathers created for us. This country of eveasdropping,torture,civil commitments,illegel registrys,ex post factos laws,prejudice,and bigotry is not what my family has fought and
bled in every war this country has fought for. We MUST NOT become worse then that which we fights. God Bless our wonderful nation. It is very sad to think of the lives that were lost on 9/11. It is very important for us as Americans to remember what our forefathers envisioned while writing the Constitution of the United States. I am proud to take a stand for our freedom. We must also remember that sometimes our freedoms come at a price. I love this country and know that by
being united we can accomplish all things. Let freedom ring! ALWAYS!! Keep on trucking. I am tired of the fear mongering that prevents us from moving forward. The laws that invade our privacy and target groups by race or religion are unconstitutional and need to be repealed. American's deserve a better life, one that was crafted by the Constitution in 1776 and whose values have continued to be eroded by an
self-serving government. The present Congress does not have American's interests at hand. Personally I would prefer no Congress as to the one we have now because their bickering, pandering, politics and selfish egos keep us from prospering. I prefer that they all go home and stay there. It was the aftermath of 9/11 that moved me to join the ACLU, when I saw our nation willing to sacrifice our defining freedoms to try to secure a sense of safety. Freedom is far too precious,
our civil rights are far too dear, to throw away in panic in a time of fear. It still stuns me that the greatest threat to our freedoms comes from our own government and its officials. The Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights, is what makes us strong. We must never give in to the tyranny that some would promote. In the years since 9/11 this country has changed and it has changed for the worst, it needs to change now. Our
country was founded by some very smart people, one of whom said "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." (B. Franklin). If we truly believe in our founding fathers, why do we choose to ignore the freedoms that are the foundation of this country, with the theory that we will be safer? The changes since 9/11 do nothing to improve this country, and only serve to prove we are not following our own rules and history. I don't care who blows what up, you don't pretend it's okay to treat an entire religion like they're evil when they're just like us. WE MUST STAND STRONG AGAINST THESE EVIL WINDS THAT SURROUND US. I heard President Franklin Roosevelt say "we have nothing to fear except fear itself." This is true today so that we may all have true security. Fear is a cancer, eating away at our civil liberties and freedoms. It's time to
reaffirm the freedoms outlined in the constitution, to practice them in our daily lives. Like random acts of kindness, freedom is grace when facing fear. Even in times of the greatest peril, under foreign invasion and during civil insurrection, our constitutional guarantees of freedom have NEVER been so circumscribed as they are today. That is why supporting the ACLU is more vital than ever before. Taking away our constitutional rights .... makes YOU
become the terrorist! 9/11 was a horrible tradegy perpretrated by religious extremists, but instead of the truth, we were given half-truths and lies that led to a war agains a country that had nothing to do with the attack. 10 years later, it is apparent our lawmakers continue to deceive and use our own fear to control and manipulate the public. Who can we trust, not the Congress, obviously, and certainly not the Supreme Court, both of whom seem to no longer represent a counry "of
the people and by the people." George Orwell's book, 1984 is now becoming factual. I am now more afraid of my own government than I am of the terrorists. I am very disappointed that we are gradually losing our rights. Everyone but a few of us is not satisfied with what is going on. I am a fighter for my grandchildren rights and my. We are living in a sad time when no one is paying attention as what is going on. I will be a fighter until the end. I am
a grandmother raising my two granddaughters. I am continuely expressing that you all will not have in rights. I tell them all the time you must vote and stand for something before you leave this world. Your constitution rights is all that you have. I beg them please wake up and fight for your freedom. I am 61 years old. I am shock at what is going on right in front of our eyes. I will remeber all the souls lost on this day but I want to forget the evil our own government
created in response. If we lose the liberties enshrined in the constitution 'they' have won. Let us not use fear to erode our civil liberties and subject ourselves to ever-broadening surveillance and data gathering. Liberty, privacy, and accountability of government are all at stake on this slippery slope. May America keep freedom safe and be proud that we do not sacrifice our values to terrorists. Our
rights are being steadily chipped away. They need to be restored in full. PEACE. Sadly, our government cannot be trusted to use their discretion in changing the Bill of Rights. Changes made out of fear during the Bush administration were no more than thinly veiled excuses to take our civil liberties away. This is not a kingdom....it is a democracy. As such, it is important that all Americans band together to protect our civil liberties and support
the existing Bill of Rights, which is more than adequate to protect our freedom. Thomas Jefferson said it best, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." And that's what the ACLU does so well, and for which I'm so grateful. Those who will not take the time to educate themselves on what is happening to their democracy harm the rest of us and all generations to come. We can stand together to keep everyone free, exercise
compassion and promote understanding. We must always be The Land of the Free. We must protect our freedom always! It is time to restore protections for US and world citizens We must fight for our freedom. At times of crises, defending and upholding our civil liberties is of paramount importance. Actions like the Patriot Act have always been
unnecessarily excessive; the same spirit as Japanese internment is rampant in the land and needs to be reined in. Freedom is our natural right as conscious beings on this planet. The real purpose of government is to promote and defend freedom for all. Historically the countries with the largest security infrastructure - the Soviet Union, North Korea ,Apartheid South Africa - lack liberty and offer no security for the individual. Our
democracy can survive only if our freedoms do as well. I love my country and am saddened and frustrated to see the stupidity, blind-sidedness, lack of compromise, all these and more on the part of elected representatives who are set on destroying the Constitution instead of upholding it. Without freedom we are no longer a Democracy. Oppression has it's limits. We must ensure that every individual can walk anywhere, go anywhere
without fear. It's not alright to suspend the very document that underpins our way of life, at any time, or for any reason. But, especially during times of crisis -- Never ! We can either die on our feet or live on our knees. Giving up everything we believe in for "safety" is living on our knees. Let us be brave once again and live free and large and unafraid. Your freedoms stop when they trespass on the freedoms of others. That's
advice for all bound by our Constitution, even the Universities, Corporations, Government, and Military. I belive in gov. (Jesy Ventura) that 911 was, the Bush adminstration and the miltary industrial comlex conspirasy to start the wars & abolish our freedom. We cannot give up our rights to freedom and privacy in the name of security. Nothing will ever convince me that the Bush Family - with the help of their corporate friends in
Dubai and other parts of the Corporate Universe had nothing to do with the ultimate, killing and robbery of human life and freedom. ...for an enemy that never put boots on our soil they sure have done more to destroy our biil of rights via by our very own government...for this the terriorist have indeed won the war to destroy freedom...bcmills It is our duty to protect our Constitution when people try to subvert it. One thing of
which I am mindful: there are presidential candidates making statements on or peripherally influencing their campaign platforms which have a chilling effect on the efforts all of us should be engendering our civil liberties, beyond those policies implemented following the 9/11 incidents. I keep my pledge as a civil libertarian and a constitution protector by making these statements and issues in front of myself, and my friends, as the opportunity presents itself. We should all do the same, so
that as many people as possible are conscious of both existing abuses and potential ones from our future leaders. this is a time from hope I have read that the Roman Empire and many that came after it eventually fell apart because they overextended themselves militarily. The British saw this reality and gracefully returned its empire to its original owners. Will America continue on its present course of Permananet War, murder-by-drone or Special
Ops corps, imprisonment without charge but with torture or will it learn from history? As we remember those who died in the attacks on 9/11, let us ensure that they did not die to the detriment of this once great country. Let's work to end the wars in Iraq and Afganistan, to repeal the Patriot Act and other legislation that has passed in the past 10 years eliminating civil liberties and allowing the use of torture. Let us work to return our country to a place of freedom,
civil liberty, and respect in the world. Stand Strong! A crisis by definition demands courage to not give-in to fear and to keep the country's moral compass as written in the Constitution and our Bill of Rights. Civil rights for the great majority of citizens in the United States are at stake with the rapidly declining middle class. We need to address this declining population as we review those values that are at stake. We do not honor the victims of 9/11 by attacking our civil liberties. When I saw the towers fall, I knew there would be a devastating impact on my nephews. In fact, one of them lost his life in Afghanistan. We must remember that while America protects its own freedom, we must do so wisely and without compromising the values that define the best of America. 9/11 was a terrible tragedy, but we can't let others cause us to act in an inhumane
un-American fashion Freedom is no more when fear rules. Let us hold dear our constitution to ensure our civil liberties. I know 1st hand what it feels like to be a disabled person, with God given gifts (Sensitive, etc.) of channeling information that is top secret, and the air force base here harrassing and trying to intimidate me. Nothing is as it seems out there, and it is the evil every where in the world doing this. If you are truly of God, you
will never be afraid to stand up for our rights. Saint Michael the Archangel, of God, is one of the strongest prayers out there for this. Please, all of you need to go through a Spiritual Awakening of Giving God all that is negative in your hearts and souls, so that you can fully be open to Him to receive the guidance that you will need for this journey. GOD SAVE US ALL. Our present government is making unfair and illegal inroads into our laws, and we must stay alert and STOP
IT!!! We must not take our freedom for granted. Those who died on 9-11 did not die in vain. We will remember all those who saved lives as well as those who lost theirs. Freedom Lives, Outdoors...So, get up and get out. Live Free... Freedom will always involve risk. The quest for total security is illusory. Let's take the risk of being a free people, come what may, cost what it will. I want the civil rights of
ALL Americans to be protecetd. not just those for the rich and powerful and judeo-christian. That is why I support the ACLU. Like all grief, this also must be let go... It is time we end the wars and begin a peace by working diplomatically rather than militarily. No amount of security is worth giving up any freedoms. With Pat Downs at stadiums & arena's with cameras at every intersection and storefront the terrorist have won. Only the
ACLU is standing up for our rights We should remember that our Bill of Rights and Constitution does not grant but rather recognizes our freedoms that are inalienable and not to be forfeit in a moment of tragedy and fear. The state ever seeks more power over the people. The people must retain their freedom and their power over the state. The Constitution says 'We the People', and no Congress shall pass any law limiting it. Ever... We
should all say, remember, and live The Pledge of Allegiance of the USA. There is no greater threat to us than the removal of freedoms. No terrorist could harm our country nearly as much as a government that takes away our essential liberties. We must re-claim our constitutional Republic now under usurpation by evil Corporatercrafters of imagined nobility and hereditary privilege. Each of us should strive to conquer fear, not exploit
it or succumb to it. The greatest leaders are those who rise up in the face of fear and inspire others to follow in calm resilience. The Bush Administration proved that anger and braggadocio are neither wise nor effective in conquering fear. I have never seen the correlation between the 9/11 attacks and the wholesale loss of our civil rights. The Patriot Act has been used mainly for drug arrests and only a few times for terrorist activity. The terrorists of
September not only succeeded in snuffing out hundreds of innocent lives, they succeeded in the greatest destruction of individual freedoms this country has seen in it's 200+ years. Our own government did the terrorists bidding to destroy the fabric of this country. Every politician who voted to attack the Constitution via the heinous Patriot Act is guilty of treason. The everlasting shame of the American people is that they allowed them to do it If terrorists abolish our
freedoms, they have won. this country was built on in god we trust since our for fathers stated it!i hate it when people try and have taken that out of our system, just because there are all kinds of race in this country doesn't mean we half to disgrace our fore father!!! Fear is not the right way to make decisions that limit my rights. I stand for Freedom, not fear. "We have it in our power to begin the world over again." --
Thomas Paine . "All life is interrelated. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Our "fight against terror" is more accurately termed a fight against the Constitution of The United States of America. As Josephine Baker stated decades ago, by the time we wake up and notice our rights are under attack, it will be too late. We, The People,
know it is never too late, and we will not let you, our lawmakers, forget. Courage! It is time to take care of those rescuers' wounds and illnesses brought on by their service at Ground Zero. Our Constitution is what makes our country wonderful and special. No matter the crisis, honor and keep this sacred document intact. To give in to fear allows us to become terrorists. Freedom is not a
Conservative idea, it is not a Progressive idea it is a human birth right. I pledge to continue to point out the hypocrisy of an organization that claims to stand up for equal rights while supporting the practice of genital mutilation of male minors in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Nobody close to me lost their life on 9/11, but we all lost so much more. We must never forget - our rights. Ever Citizen
has a right to fill Safe & free from Harm in the U.S.A. It's said, "Freedom isn't free" but it shouldn't cost our constitutional rights or civil liberties! The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are what have made us a shining beacon to the rest of the world. We cannot let this beacon be extinguished. WE ALL HAVE THE RIGHTS TO FREEDOM! We need to get back to being the land of the free, not the land of
the spied upon. We must restore the Constitutional Rights lost after 09-11-2001. It's the right thing to do & Congress & the President MUST do IT ASAP! Thank you kindly for your time and attention and that of your staff. Yours truly, 9/11 may have been disastrous but nothing is more disastrous when our country slowly gives up on the very foundations it was built up on. All men are created equal and have the unalienable rights of life,liberty and
the pursuit of happiness. Why is it then we give up on our founding fathers in the vague name of national security. Be strong enough for freedom. Do not forget this day lives were saved and lives were lost and they will never be forgotten Freedoms must be maintained. There is never a justifiable reason to curtail them. I lived through ground zero that morning. We still haven't prosecuted GWBush (the village
idiot) & his regime for WAR CRIMES & we need to reinstitute the Posse Comittatus act which forbids our military from conducting civilian police duties - which Obama plans on doing - cause Americans are getting fed up with the "elites" & wall street from destroying us from within. I will continue to advocate for a government that is granted certain responsibilities and rights by the people, the government serves the people and we are a free people. It is easy to say you're an American and a true patriot. In order to be a real American and a true Patriot, you have to believe in what the Constitution says and follow it. Restore all rights to the people guaranteed by our Constittution. Quit the fear mongering. Let's Roll stop letting the nazi republican partys corporate masters kill are freedoms talk hard the truth is a virus. Terrorists desire to cause fear. By allowing
ourselves to be stripped of our civil liberties, we have shown them that we are afraid -- that they have won. The only thing to fear is fear itself. We know how determined the bad guys are but we shall overcome! 9-11 is a time to mourn and remember, but also a time to pledge that diplomacy may be the best option in dealing with radicals. I think we have seen that war does little to improve the conditions of the world. My
family helped found this nation. I believe we need to return to first principals to save it. If we are ruled by fear, our enemies have won. "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our
liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together." -Ike '61 Allthough I live in tthe West (South Dakota), Idon' believe in turning the clocks back to the 1800s. Failing to find the guts to stop America's Nazi-style drug
war when it was being used as the excuse to violate our Constitutional rights, it is no surprise we let government thugs trample them deeper when they created a scary-looking foreign enemy who actually did us harm. Freedom is far more important than security. Over-concern with security is us taking away our own freedom. In these trying times we must be ever vigilant about protecting our freedoms. Let's not forget to remember that
9/11 COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED and that those who were responsible for avoiding it have still not been held accountable ! Please! Our rights have been under assault during every Republican administration & now, unfortunately under the current one this continues! The Constitution & Bill of Rights ar emore crucial than ever! The Patriot Act must be repealed and never again put into effect. The violations of the Bill of Rights are numerous and
blatant. Racial profiling is an unconscionably oppressive practice in intolerance. The only thing to be intolerant of is intolerance Islam, Muslims are with you calling for prayer for the country..on 911 "peace not war" God not greed"Mohammad SAW, was sent as mercy to humanity..Bless u and forgive me. wassalamualikum w' Rahma!!! The politics of fear and hatred have shredded our Constitution. Let us look forward with courage
instead, and once more be the Land of the Free. At an 86 years of age I have witnessed much changes in the way our government functions.. Too much of late has been a detriment to our way of life. Government needs to be transparent to us all. Lie to people is not democracy. As we remember these folks who had stolen or gave their lives on that tragic day we can all best honor their memories by NOT becoming like the people who took
them from us. Long Live American Freedoms. When we give our freedoms up...our enemies have won If history has taught us anything it is that during and after times of crisis civil liberties are limited at best and denied at worst. As evidence may I point to the internment of the Japanese American citizens after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the communist witch hunts under Joe Mccarthy's House Un-American Activities Committee during the
Cold War and most recently the limitation of rights and personal freedoms under the Patriot Act including the acts of rendition,enhanced interrogation techniques and the internment of political prisoners indefinitely at Quantanamo Base (Gitmo) as well as the actions perpetrated at Abu Garaib. It is during these times of crisis that we must be ever vigilant to the overstepping of authority and the defense of human rights and civil liberties. It is not a desire but a necessity to protect the
rights of all. If liberty is sacrificed for security, then we will have neither. Limiting the rights given us by the Constittution hands victory to our enemies on a silver platter. May freedom reign from sea to shining sea. Change is not enough. To embrace one's change and what one has left after the storm; now that's divine. I have 25 cents and I am ready for some more :) Since 1776 freedom in America is the forefront
for are dreams and livelihood lets keep it that way. I'm with you Don't you think that we did 9/11 ourselves, or at least helped? I am nonligious but if there is evil it is the Bush Administration. By the way, I'm an ACLU member since Bush v Dukakis. Remember 9/11 by NEVER being seduced into believing that the so-called Patriot Act has little if any basis in PATRIOTISM We have been losing our rights during the past
decade. It is more important than ever to support the ACLU and other groups that fight for our civil liberties. I am here for you, because you are here for us. To honor the lives lost on 9/11, we must remain vigilant and not allow our civil rights and our constitution be taken away with fear and deception from within. We must educate ourselves and question any legislation that takes away our freedom. On 9/11 tragedy has taught many to let us take more
responsibility not only for our selves and our families but for our communities and our country. 9/11 brought all Americans together as did WWII. Since, we have been divided again. We need to show the world that we are strong enough to work together and solve our nation's problems. freedom from fear and war and torture and spying God Bless anyone who lost someone they loved. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I stand with the ACLU in protecting those freedoms that are not popular but necessary for a free society. If we give up the freedoms promised to us by our founding fathers, those who committed this atrocity have won already. It is a terrible abuse of ppower to target people simply for having a certain religion or race and often when this happens it leads to tortuous abuse on people's minds by locking them up in detention without even charging them
with a crime. It is appalling that our country's leaders used 9/11 to implement Shock Doctrine procedures to rob us of our freedoms. These freedoms need to be restored immediately. OUR LEADERS HAVE TO HONOR THE CONSTITUION!! Those who planned 9/11 attacks began the end of our country's freedom, liberty, equality and goodness. I want them back, now! We must continue to stand firm in ACLU's fight for justice
believing that every voice can make a difference in preserving our collective and individual freedom. We must not walk away from our American values and principles. They are the source of our self-respect, and the way we earn the respect of the world. Without our constitution we have no democracy. We must not destroy the greatness of the US constitution and personal and community liberty it protects by feaing that which is not our
enemy. Our enemy is ignorance of the world and treating strangers as enemies when we need to be making them our friends. Stop the buying of Congress by the wealthy. Together we Stand Forever! Citizens must take responsibility for their own locality, state, and country. The Constitution is the set of rules we've agreed to. We all need to work to make them reality for every citizen. Stand firm in your
right to bear arms and freedom of speech. Do not let the attack on freedom catapult women back to the dark ages of living in fear. This 9/11, I will remember the lives of Americans killed that day as well as the countless others killed in the aftermath each following day. I believe that the only ways in which our Constitution is violated is by our own government's use of FISA against its own citizens. Using FISA, which includes not only keeping
track of email between and among U.S. citizens, and so-called "warrantless" searches (for which a FISA warrant may have been obtained, is JUST PLAIN WRONG. A photo of former President, George W. Bush taken while he was listening to calls recorded at his insistence, between husbands and wives in which one was deployed and the other in their home, were intimate conversations between people who, no doubt, believed that their conversation was between them alone - makes my stomach turn. I was not a
fan of George W. Bush, but my comments about listening to couples thousands of miles apart, with the then-President listening to a tape recording of their intimate words and sounds makes me wonder why President Obama hasn't appointed a Special Prosecutor to review orders and actions (including waterboarding and listening to personal conversations between people married, committed to each other and in all other ways intimate with one another, as well as a plethora of other actions, orders and
topics researched for former President, George W. Bush, AND THOSE IN HIS CABINET AND OTHERS PRIVY TO THE MYRIAD ABUSES OF U.S. CITIZENS, AND OF DETAINEES AT GUANTANAMO BAY, AND OTHER LOCATIONS AND, SURELY ON A MYRIAD COLLECTION OF POLICIES AND ACTIONS NOT COVERED BY POLICY, richly deserve review by a Special Prosecutor who is beholden to no one in his/her inquiries, who knows the laws of the United States, who cannot be "bought" and who will be relentless in the review of actions, policies,
orders issued and all other aspects of the Presidency of George W. Bush, with the understanding that if the Special Prosecutor finds cause to do so, the Spec inquiry may lead to individuals, including, perhaps, George H.W. Bush, before, during, and after his Presidency, then the Special Prosecutor is empowered to go wherever the inquiry leads, without limitation. I reject the Supreme Court's decision and Mitt Romney's assertion that "CORPORATIONS ARE PEOPLE"!
I want our country to use the memory of 9-11 to begin reflecting on and acting to accomplish that which is good for its citizens. The last 10 years has been a waste of time and money. And we have not impressed anyone. We are a war mongering nation and in the meantime the people are hungry, jobless and without a home. How did we get our priorities so out of whack? If you destroy the foundations of this country to defend it, then what are you
defending. It is when fear prevails that the Constitution most needs defenders. It is the heart of our liberties. Let us truly commemorate 9-11 by defending the rights it enshrines. JUSTICE and EQUALITY first. Our Consitution guarantees to our citizens liberties that have been protected by and for Americans for generations - that is until 9/11. Since 9/11 those liberties have been turned upside down and inside out, in the
name of safety. But did these intrusions make us safer? No, they did not! Instead they led to one of the darkest chapters in this nations' history. We must reverse the erosions to our liberties and remember that we can be both safe and free! To paraphrase: The only thing we have to fear is...the loss of our civil liberties. We are destroying what our country stands for in the name of saving it. The Republicans are really good at framing things so that
bad appears to be good and they have the best help money can buy to accomplish this. I will not live in fear, to do so is giving power to the terrorists. Freedom must continue to serve the people without fear that causes bondage. Individual freedoms should never be compromised in the name of national security. They did that in Germany in the 1940's & you see how well that turned out. I am an OIF Veteran
and after witnessing the harsh reality of the Iraq War first hand, I believe these wars will undermine this nation and also reduce our influence throughout the globe by undermining our citizens rights and freedoms to which the world has always looked upon as a beacon of hope. There are people who prey for justice while others fight for it ... I'd rather fight for it and prey those people at least say, "Thank You" "The only thing we have to fear is
fear itself." I believe that our freedoms can only be protected if we put our constitution first. Don't eavesdrop and torture in my name. I believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. I pledge to continue taking a stand I recommit myself to the
values ACLU stands and fights for --civil liberties for all Let's get back to being a free country. Our freedoms need to be protected at all times and everywhere on the planet. We must never stop fighting because the opposing forces do not stop. Repeal the Patriot Act. STOP unchecked abuse of police power. THE ONLY WAY TO END THE PATRIOT ACT, IS TO VOTE OBAMA OUT OF OFFICE. There is no
middle ground on inalienable rights. If you give them away they are gone. Do not give in to fear. This is no longer the United States that I grew up in and taught to believe in so many years ago. Too many Federal police agencys. End the Patriot Act. Stop the US from becoming a fascist dictatorship Goverment Leaders from both sides!......Operate by the Constitution!......We deny your fear tatics in America!!! Nobody wants to be
told what we can or cannot do by the Government of the United States and No body wants there crotch patted on up at the Airport anymore! We demand you reverse your nonsense policies which were put into place by Fear!!! By giving up freedom and liberty in the name of Homeland Security we allow the terrorists who attacked us to win. They not only murdered nearly four thousand of our citizens, but the filled our leaders with such fear as to take away the very liberties that
make our nation unique. We are better than this. We don't need to encroach upon freedoms in order to end attacks. Freedom is necessary for a better world for all people! On this anniversary, I mourn the loss of lives that day; as well as the loss of liberties that followed. I re-commit to fighting to regain the liberties lost and safeguarding the liberties we have!! The Constitution embodies the values and freedoms of the United
States, We the People. Without adherence to those values, without accountability to ensure adherence, We, the People, and our Freedoms cease to exist. We become, instead, the Antithesis. Violating our constitutional rights through unreasonable searches has to end. "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin What happened on 9/11 was tragic. Since then our own
government has used this attack to reduce our rights and civil liberties. Shame on us for allowing that to happen. We need to change this. For good. If we lose our freedoms, the terrorists have won. To Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness . . . and one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for ALL! Jury nullification, the jury's right to vote their conscience is part of the safeguards that needs
safe guarding now that america is taking political prisoners by naming civil disobedience as terrorism. lately the constitution have taken the back seat.In todays time we are living in a police state. After 10 years, it's time we get our America back. I'm confident Our President is of good intent Never stop standing up for your rights!! Safety secured at the cost of our freedoms and
civil liberties is simply not worth the price. We are Americans, and should refuse to be bullied or intimidated into giving up our basic rights as citizens, including the right to be secure in our persons and affairs, as per the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution. We must not allow fear and other destructive forces (hatred, desire for revenge) to cause us to willingly give away little by little what in so many other parts of the world is taken by force. we Americans should never forget that liberty is for everyone regardless of religion or race. The goal of terrorists is to enact socio-political change through violence. The terrorists succeeded in changing our society. The best thing we can do to fight the terrorists is to not react out of fear. Restore freedoms and be not afraid! There is nothing more precious than our liberties. Making the US a police state means we lose the "War on Terror."
We are doing something the terrorists couldn't--taking away our own freedom, bit by bit. I believe that it is time for the United States to end the wars of revenge and gain. It is time to change the policies of war and return to the principles of freedom and democracy and civil liberties. Fear and loathing is unAmerican Freedom from fear. Get rid of the Patriot Act,
support the Geneva Convention, and bring our military home. Our Constitution must be honored, even when the foreign and domestic enemies of the U.S. attempt to subvert it. Our freedoms to assemble and speak against our elected officials have been subverted by politicians who don't believe in said rights because what we are saying does not agree with their ideology. THIS SHOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE TO US. OUR FOUNDING FATHERS ARE ROLLING OVER IN
THEIR GRAVES. Terrorists can't destroy America. Only Americans can destroy America. And fear fuels the actions of those who would do so. The Patriot Act and ongoing invasion of privacy through the Security Industry is appalling and bankrupting the United States both ideologically and financially. As conditions globally have the great potentail to get worse economically, environmentally, politically, etc., the abuse of power focused at our own
citizenry will expand exponentially.The battle will be about controlling versus caring for the Nation. The terrorists responsible for 9/11 have never been caught. Our government is a sham. Demand a new investigation and catch the actual terrorists residing within our borders. We will never be defeated so long as we hold true to our highest principles. We are the engineers of an unacceptable paradox when we use the
defense of our freedoms as justification to erode those freedoms. We are a better nation than the image given by our politicians. Our constitution isn't just for when things are easy. Keeping our values intact when things are hard is what has made us great. We need to get back to that. We need to bring back the real meaning of the constitution. We the people... When one political party uses fear tactics to further enrich
the wealthy, you know we are on the wrong path! If we allow our government to take away our civil liberties, then the terrorists will have won. We must persist in our demand that our leaders uphold our Constitution and the civil liberties it confers on all. I LOVE THIS COUNTRY AND WILL FIGHT TO KEEP HER SAFE.AN LET FREEDOM ALWAYS RANG TRUE The "Citizens United" Supreme Court debacle should make us all realize how precious our
rights are, foreseen so clearly by the foreparents---& how important it is to protect those rights. Without legal vigilance, all can be lost in what seems a historical heartbeat. We must not stoop to the level of the terrorists who threaten our country. If we respond by restricting our people's rights we are giving more power to them. We need to make sure that all Americans are truly knowledgeable about this remarkable document. Ignorance,
willful or not, is the enemy of truth. It is necessary that we each take a stand otherwise the power of the elite/corporations take control. Together, one by one, we must stand against any threat to our civil liberties. It is our duty. We must remain diigent We must remain diligent as a nation undivided in actively maintaining and recovering our constitution. Enemies foreign and domestic threaten our Republic. Compromise with Internationalist is
treason and should be treated as such. It is a massive waste of life to have to re-learn the hard way what the founding generation learned through combating Writs of Assistance and general warrants. Thank God I grew up in a country that was free, before the fearmongers began to ruin it. With out The Constitution and the rights and freedom it guarantees, we really have nothing to defend. When we cease to defend or subscribe to, or
limit the Constitutional guarantees for all, we become the very enemy we fear. At this day in age I see the what our for-fathers fought so hard for slowly getting walked all over and hope that everyone starts fighting back for what makes america so great.... The constitution needs to be better taught in our schools from a very young age and repeatedly, not just one time. The ignorance regarding its contents is shocking and frightening. This is why we need the
ACLU; thanks! Do NOT violate the CONSTITUTION!!! F.E.A.R. = False Evidence Appearing Real. We must stop the apparent fear that has been put in our hearts. Be courageous! "Nothing to fear but fear itself" FDR I pledge to take a stand for freedom! Once again, corporations are war profiteers in this fake "war on terror". The only truth GWBush ever leaked was his statement that, "Money trumps peace". Sadly,
that's become America's mantra. Absolutely every "liberal" organization wants money from me. Please note that I am an 80 year-old prof emeritus who was never rich. I ardently defend all humanist and humanitarian causes, free health care and free education that most European countries have had ever since Bismarck (who was very conservative but knew that workers must be respected as human beings in order to work well, and I am therefore also in strong support of their unions.
The victims of 9/11 rare now regarded as "heroes" although the Bush administration used that tragic even to diminish the rights of US citizens even further. Thanks to war mongers (like Cheney and Coindi Rice who sponsored torture) and the Supreme Court's support for G.W. Bush's rise to "Emperor of the World", our Constitution has become worthless. My country is no longer a real democracy. "Condi" claimed that China was spending too much money on the military. This country of ours spends more on
these professional killers that all other counties combined. So why do we always pick on other nations as not being as good as we claim to be ? Let us clean up our own house and bring our Constitution back to life! We continue to send troops around the world to protect others, why wouldn't we do that same thing here at home? We must ALL be responsible in retaining our rights in this country, especially the right to vote without hurdles put in our way. If we don't uphold the constitution now, will we ever? I believe we need it nowadays more than ever. We are the People. It is hard to defend freedom when things are going well, but so much harder when we are lied to and manipulated into giving up our civil liberties. We need to stand together and stay informed to protect our freedom! The whole purpose of 9/11 was to take away our freedoms. Until we arrest and prosecute the
true purpetrators they will rule over us and continue to enslave us through economics and control of the media. Freedom, from tyranny. Hence the protection of the constitution. Like the times, the word tyranny has changed. Protection of freedom will always be necessary as the arms race of oppression will continue to circumvent loopholes. Such is the nature of some men. I am NOT afraid! I will not let fear take away our constitutional freedoms.
The best way to defeat the terrorists is to continue to live according to our legal and civil principles as enumerated in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This will affirm the promise of America and inspire others to emulate us. The best way to honor the victims of 9-11 is to protect our precious freedoms for future generations. Though I walk through the valley full of fear, hate, and oppression I shall fear no evil for
God, the Constitution and the ACLU art with me....... Without our freedoms, we are no longer the America that our founding fathers envisioned. We should all be free and EQUAL! Don't let terrorism abridge our constitutional rights! The US Constitution is one of the greatest documents ever written. It should guarantee our freedom and not let politicians (in the US) with their own agendas ignore the rights it
gives US citizens. As we approach a solemn and terrible anniversary, we pause to remember our heroes. I agree we should never forget those who sacrificed themselves so selflessly, but do not let our remembrance harden our hearts with hate. If we do, then the terrorists will have truly been victorious. Caving in to fear is the same as caving in to cowardice. We are ashamed at how far our country's government went after 9/11/2001 with its reactionary
"security" legislation. We see it as "the terrorists" won. How do you wake up a complacent country especially when people here live in fear of their own government? Fear is a cancer that erodes humanity. If we respond to terrorism by restricting civil liberties in the name of security, the terrorists have achieved their goal. We know very little about all of the underground government activity spawned by 9/11, likely only some
of which has been exposed in the new book, Top Secret America, by Dana Priest of the Washington Post. The activities descrbed in this book are horrifyiing and completely antithetical to our principles and values as a nation. Freedom is not free: it takes blood, sweat, and tears to protect us from those who wish to destroy from abroad AND within! NO WAR The event of 9-11-01 has served only those who wish to bury the constitution. I feel
less free, less safe and have less liberty than before. We cannot meekly continue to give away our liberty for illusions of protection and safety. the patriots of today say let us move on, and quit using this event as a means of mass distraction and destruction at home and in every corner of the globe. Wake up I say, and make yourself heard in defense of the constitution. Our Constitution remains the single greatest weapon we have, and is the true target of all attacks
against our nation. Let's not give our enemies what they want by diluting it r undermining it in any way. 9/11 and the Bush Administration were great examples of leadership through fear. Abandoning our Constitution at any time, but especially where fear and manipulation take its place is the most dangerous thing to our democracy and leaves "Government of the people, By the People, and For the People" just so many empty words. Our Constitution is the one document to secure
and retain our freedoms and prevent us from making the same mistakes again and again based on fear, bias, inuendo, and personal agendas. 911 was an excuse to intrude on our privacy. If the facts of 9-11 are not enough to convince us of the frailty which underlies the Truth being discovered, say nothing and do nothing and watch the trend of losing our Rights and Freedoms disapearing reach a full gallop. Keeping the Constitution, as it
was intended! Our house is divided. And, as Lincoln said... One of the parties in our ridiculous 2 party system wants our house to fall. Then they believe they can rebuild it in their own image. The Constitution is in danger! We are not the enemy. Let us live freely amongst each other in the continent that our ancestors claimed in hope for a better unity of conscious mind, not simply the formal unification of man and his counterparts. We need a liberation from
the corruption that has taken place in order to explore our new destiny. Schools need science for our future innovations and churches need to understand their purpose in community and have faith in those that come to them. The carelessness of out nation this last decade is insulting. To the world and to ourselves. We need to insure that there remain a separation of Church and State! The tragedy visited upon is still suspect, as well as the unwarranted
surveillance of the "Traitors' Act". We want the Truth about it. And it is disgusting that Congress is witholding help for the brave first responders. For shame! Tax the Wealthy & Corporations, Cut Defense & Jail the Bankers. An accused person should be given the same rights that you would want your own loved ones to have if they were FALSELY ACCUSED. Find some way to get rid of Citizens United. Stand up for IP freedom.
Decriminalize drugs, especially cannabis. More than ever the Constitution needs the people, just as much as the people need the Constitution. The Constitution is still the supreme law of the land, something all branches of the government need to remember. My heart goes out to those who suffered loss on 9/11. May those truly responsible for the tragedy be held accountable. May those who benefited be held accountable as well. Optimal
transparency is fundamental. Our financial freedom has been stolen from us by special interests, most prominently, the insurance (especially health) and financial industries. Until average Americans are paying less taxes, interest, and premiums we can not afford to invest in America, i.e., savings/investments and products. The terrorists Win if we lose our freedoms and our Constitution! To commemorate 9/11 this year, the
administration should pardon Bradley Manning, admit the government has done wrong, and end its illegal actions at home and abroad. To surrender any of our freedoms or our belief in fairness for all is to let the terrorists win. This we must never allow. We need to celebrate the lives of those lost on that day. There can be no better way then to join together to rebuild the American Dream When we act in fear, it is then that the
terrorists have won. STAND UP FOR FREEDOM When activists marched to stop us from going to war we were called unpatriotic. To support Bush's wars the FBI harassed us into keeping quiet. Now our country is broke. We wasted America's treasure in wars that were unfounded. Who's to blame? The FBI and the Bush bunch. They took away our freedoms. Even now we should be trying to stop the wars but we're fearful. If we give up freedom as
defined in the Constitution, the "terrorists" will have won. The Patriot Act is no doubt Unconstitutional and should be repealed.There is no reason to have our liberties taken away because of 9/11 It is the duty of every American to defend the protections we have in the Constitution. It's the only way our country will remain free. Actually, rather than dwell on 9/11 with all sorts of commemoration, we need to dwell on our
accomplishments, one of which is our Constitution. Very little attention is paid to Pearl Harbor day or December 7th and equally little attention is paid to V-E Day and V-J Day and rightfully so. It is a sign that this country is headed in the wrong direction when we focus on negative events rather than accomplishments and it is time that this changes. bin Laden's plan was to bankrupt the US in a series of unwinnable wars. That part is working. Taking away American's freedoms
is just icing on the cake. If fear rules freedom dies. It took an anthrax attack on specific members of congress who were against the "Patriot Act" to get it passed, among other tricks. The truth of this and the 9-11 disaster will shine a light on those whom want to end the Bill of Rights. PEACE FOR PEACE "With Liberty and Justice for All" applies to everyone. 9/11 was one of the worst tragedies
to befall our nation, but the Bush administration took unfair advantage of the situation to implement practices that not only interfered with, but nearly eliminated our rights as free citizens of the United States of America. All U.S. Citizens must be equal in all rights, including, for example, 'marriage'. Right now I would say we have a Religious Oligarchy, the trampling on Human Rights, which can not be granted - only obstructed, by the rise of the Corporate State and the
interference within the Constitutional function and responsibility of the Federal Government, by Organized Religion. The Federal Constitution is a living document of Inalienable Human Rights, regardless of Sexual Identity (gift), religion or lack of religion, race, etc. all wars end now America was founded on a Constitution that set precedent for all times, not just when it is politically convenient. There is no place in America for the politics of fear,
as FDR said. Don't let fear become law. go get them I believe that preserving individual freedom is vital to preserving national security. I believe that we can find our way back to being the land of the brave and the home of the free. I find it appalling that Bush and Cheney brag about torturing people something our first president adamantly despised and forbid as was the way until these two
step into power. I am hopeful that we will earn back our respect in the world but it's not going to happen with our current president or democratic leaders and if the GOP receives any more power it may never happen. The most disappointing thing is this may not happen in my lifetime. Since my birth I have watched the American dream, upward mobility and basic care for all Americans wideied away by ignorance and the greed that exploits and encourages it continuance. I thought we had hope for real
change with this president but he's no better than the last and any good he did is minimized by all the backward compromises. Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges (Latin) It means in English "In the presence of arms, the laws grow silent" Which is wrong It's easy to stand for the freedom for all in times of safety, but it requires courage to stand fo that freedom when times are difficult or uncertain. We must maintain our standing for the Constitution and the
rule of law. It's time to recommit to protecting our country against the creeping Fascism that has taken hold. When people can be arrested for merely asking questions at a congressional town hall, or for wearing a t-shirt that the Repugnicans don't like, or confined in "free speech" pens during political conventions, or spied upon by the government without a warrant, what has happened to our freedom? It's too bad we've all bought into the lie that we
can't be safe without being treated like criminals just for showing up at the airport. Between that the huge debt we're accrued through two wars waged in the name of security, I'm not so sure Bin Laden didn't win after all. I've worked in dozens of countries around the world in the area of human rights. I know what its like to be afraid of a government. What I didn't anticipate is that, with the Patriot Act, we would have to fear our own Government. It is both disempowering
and remarkably dangerous. Imagine what a (George W.) Perry would do with these powers. Judges Jewell, M. Monica Zamora, Michael E. Vigil, Reed Sheppard, Elizabeth Whitefield, Ted Baca, and others in New Mexico have violated Law contained in The US Constitution! I can show you proof in The Court Record Proper itself! None of us are free until all of us are free. Our Freedon is being taken away every day it is time to stop, the Raping of
all the people in this country I see so many simularitys of Natzi Germany. It is time to stop people who are trying to legislateing moriality that is something that comes from within. D.P Or. Promote Liberty and Freedom always.. not fear, lies, and unlawful acts in the name of government... Declaring it's 'protecting' us. Security must never come at the expense of human freedoms, or there is no point in being secure at all! Shouldn't
the survival of millions trump the political survival and economic advantage of a few? The "Homeland Security" and "Patriot Act" power grabs by Bush and Cheney have taken a terrible toll on the freedoms the United States was founded on! It is time for this situation to be remedied by disbanding the "Homeland Security" beaurocracy and using the money saved to feed, house, and educate our children. The attacks of 9/11 were no excuse to try to destroy civil
liberties, but the actually unelected person in the White House and his cronies did their best to limit them. We need to work to not only get a pre-9/11mindset, but also pre-9/11 civil liberties - easily the most important thing we can do. The attacks on the United States on 9/11/2001 should not be a political platform or a political agenda for any party or politician. Those that choose to see this tragedy only in terms of how they can benefit from it walk arm in arm with
the terrorists themselves. The lobby bribes will continue to steal our FREEDOMS one by one. I'm sorry,did I say bribes?I mean, the "campaign contributions" are stealing our FREEDOMS one by one for the special interest. The only thing that seperates us from our enemies is our ideals. THE u.s, a. HAS BEEN TRYING TO TURN THIS CHUNK OF LAND-MATTER, AND ALL OF THE LAND-MATTER UPON EART INTO A TOTALITARIAN STATE, AND PERSONAL PLAYGROUND FOR FAR
TOO LONG !.. There are powerful forces in this country that claim to defend the Constitution, yet they would replace our great democratic experiment with a Christian theocracy. We have to defend our freedoms, our Constitution, and our way of life. Those who surrender freedom for a little security deserve neither. We have security 'theatre' and little freedom left. We have to be ever-vigilant and strong to defend our fredoms because
those who would remove them never rest. We must remain the Nation of the Free Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame - Benjamin Franklin Our nation's efforts post 9/11 were developed in anger and fear anger that we had been attacked and afraid it would happen again. We allowed, as a people, our politicians and military to act is ways that that are contrary to the fundamentals of our governing system. We confirmed that we were still scared and angry by
reelecting that administration in the face of the past lies and miscarriages of justice. In our defense of the American way of life we failed to protect what is mean to be American. We traded independence for the illusion of security. We allowed small minded bigotry to set our foreign policy and made civil rights unpatriotic. In our zeal to show we were not affected by the terrorist acts by making a strong and definitive statement we absolutely allowed terrorism to change us. When you have a RENEGADE federal government that has the attitude of Rahm Emanuel who said (in 2008): "You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. And what I mean by that is an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before" - then I believe that Rahm Emanuel was merely vocalizing the already widely held belief that was seized upon after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. I believe that 9/11 and the federal abuses of our rights and liberties since then have marked the greatest
departure from our Constitution and the worst attack on our rights that have been perpetrated against the citizens of this once great Republic. If this downward spiral is NOT STOPPED and soon, then I believe that the current Police State we are now in will sink into a total Dictatorship. We ain't free if we have fear Prejudice leads only to hatred. I do not wish to display any form of hatred in my country. There are those that do, may
they remain in shame and not pride of a free country. Our civil liberties make this so. No more fear, hatred. Put down our guns and make human contact and friendships. This will weed out those that don't believe as we, freedom, civil rights for everyone. When we lose our freedom, they have won. If we are not free.. we have lost the Spectacular Idea that is the United States of America...and are merely real estate with geographical boundaries. Only freedom can conquer fear. The best thing about this country is the right to be wrong. In too many places in the world, being on the wrong side of issue, or being of the wrong faith or political party is a tragedy waiting to happen. We must prize this right, because it gives us the security that people often try to achieve by denying rights. Our rights should be ours at birth, not what our government feels it should give us. If we don't stand now, we will be looking at this https://youtu.be/GBhdXfCdaA8 and 1930 Nazis Germany Defending our country has turned more political then anything. Our soldiers are always remembering the victims of 9/11 we should learn from them. "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me." Freedom first, safety second. Otherwise, we lose. I WANT
THE AMERICA THAT STOOD UP FOR AN INDIVIDUALS RIGHTS Keep freedom in your hearts, for we are one nation, one people. NOONE WHO LIVES IN FEAR IS REALLY ALIVE. IT'S TIME TO LIVE UP TO WHAT THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED ON. FREEDOM FOR ALL. Our constitutional protections have been subjugated to the interests of the government sanctioned religion. Government subsidized religious institutions target those they consider outsiders and local
government authorities serve religious interests over the rights of those targeted citizens, in my own personal experience and observations. I remember a different America from my childhood. Thank you ACLU for keeping up the good fight. God only knows where we'd be right now without you. Unwarranted scrutiny is tyranny. When fears rule, our freedoms die. Under Universal Laws and Constitutional Laws, we
were born to be free and live a long and prosperous life. That freedom has be taken away from us by a corrupt and unjust government. The time has come to set things right again. A whole restructuring of our governnment officials, politicians and the like needs to take place, to rebuild what our fore fathers had imagined for us all and never took place. May we all learn from where we made mistakes, and adjust accordingly. May freedom reign supreme on our planet once again! Amen How we have as a country lost our liberties over nineteen men with box cutters. President Bush and his administration created this new law called the Patriot Act to spy on all Americans no matter your religion, race or sexual presence. Our government intruded invades our personal lives as we were the enemy But yet we as Americans get to have our lives invaded and be spied upon take away our civil rights of our Constitution because someone drop the ball and didn't have enough sense to
see what was going on with all our CIA intelligence. I will always stand for what our founding fathers intending to be a person's civil rights and freedoms. In spite of the tragedy of 9/11, we must not trample on the civil rights of any inidividuals. Sept. 11 should symbolize the importance of treating all Americans with dignity and respect, regardless of race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. may our country never forget
ever what happened So many innocent lives lost. Would they want this?: Our Constitution and our way of life have been altered, not by foreign terrorists, but by the Bush Administration who saw to it to stir fear and racism for profit. Now what? The Constitution gives us common beliefs and ideals which unite us as a nation. If you shred that "piece of paper" and instead adopt an "every man for himself" attitude, the nation will crumble. The only document or cause of value in this country of outrageous greed is the Constitution. If any part of this hallowed document were completely destroyed, though they've tried and succeeded somewhat, this country's value would be lost forever. The United States of America is the greatest nation in the world.We must all stand together as that nation, under God, and fight for liberty&justice for all. No, you may not have my Constitutional rights,
because i am still using them. Our greatest loss due to 9/11 was our Bill of Rights. Solidarity. Equality. Freedom. Democracy: We the people need justice for all Americans for all the wrongs we came up on has Americans.Freedom his a must includes our security Our overreaction to 9/11 gave Bin Laden a temporary win. We can regain victory by winning back the freedoms and privacy stolen from us by an overreaching Security Apparatus.
The ACLU leads that fight and deserves every American's support. Fear = the Ultimate Prison If we are to live safely & freely, we must all commit to responsibly protecting each other's rights. The best way to remember our fellow citizens who lost their lives on 9-11 is that we continue to stand united in protecting our constitution. The Constitution is never more important than when others tell us we must
give up its protections for "safety". We must also protect ALL Whistleblowers! "The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty." - John Adams Americans value their country because it is safe and free. Protect our freedoms now and forever more. There is only one true way to defend the constitution just as the creators did - Peaceful negation and
consensus building. This is our third presidential election since 9/11, and never has a single candidate promised to work for getting our freedom back. Do not trample on the Constitution, the right to due process or freedom of speech in the guise of fighting terrorism. If we don't have a free country to protect, to what purpose is fighting terror. We will fight for our freedom no matter what threat it is here or abroad.
Love, Peace, Happiness, Respect, Dignity,Prosperity...for ALL!!! Our civil liberties are what make us the best country in the world, let's keep it that way. Our contry is in dangerous territory. Instead of we the people, we have become a nation of we the few-those who hold the wealth are managing to buy their way into our government. Our leaders use fear and misinformation to their advantage whilst attempting to remove the programs
the middle class so desperately needs. Fight back, open your minds, listen and learn, and we can prevail We the people must defend our Constitution and not be frightened into giving some of our freedoms away. America was built on confidence in freedom for all and it must always be remembered. Freedom is not free but it does not come from denying others basic rights and freedoms If we ignore the Constitution in
order to "protect" ourselves, we destroy the country. We are to live in the land of freedom ,that's want made Americana was built on ...remember the goold old U.S.A. We saw "911" grotesquely exploited for political advantage, pitting people against each other, especially on the basis of economic class. This has deeply harmed the whole of the country. I am amazed that people keep re-electing the very officials that are taking away
our rights. I vow to research everyone running to se what they hae done and not vote blindly. I'm a proud and fearless american forever. We must put aside fear of diversity and embrace the POWER we have when we ALL work together.When we fear ourselves the TERRORISTS ARE US! Dear ACLU, I know that you try to be politically neutral, but it is clear to me that the conservative elements in our politics are playing upon our fears and
trampling on the Constitution they claim to love so much.As we approach the Presidential election of 2012, we face the Koch brothers and the Tea Party and the personified corporations. They've got all the money and all the political power. Am I afraid? Yes. But not of the "terrorists." I am afraid of the Congressmen, of the Lobbyists, of the whole D.C. complex. I am afraid that we have become a different people than we were just a few generations ago in WWII. I never
stopped! We must stand up for our civil liberties and not let fear make us impotent! THIS COUNTRY SHOULD BE THE LEADER IN AN "OPEN BOOK" POLICY; SECRETS ARE NEVER GOOD. If fear wins, we lose. We are risking the dangers of a repressive corporate state if you do not establish real and effective leadership of electoral politics. Fear should not be the reason to give up our freedom. I
pledge to not live in fear but free and to honor those who died by protecting the rights of which they were deprived on that horrible day. If we lose our Rights then the Terrorists win and we lose, having succumbed to our fear. If you want to free stand up for freedom. My main fear is that Americans will sit back and watch silently as our freedoms disappear bit by bit. spread constitutional govt & human rites
everywhere We not only should reject their policies that target groups by race and religion but activist that fight against police harassment,closure of schools, hospitals, living wage and jobs etc. Need to expose the unchecked surveillance of innocent people using gang stalking, community harassment tactics. Stay strong Peace Without our full Constitutional Freedoms, there is NOTHING to "Protect" in this country, except the Profits & "Best Interests" of
Giant Corporations, who already control too much of our lives as Free Citizens in a supposed Democracy. Because of the diversity in our nation, we cannot profile any group of individuals and be consistent with the foundational principles of our U. S. Constitution. Maintaining freedom as Lincoln, Roosevelt, Johnson, and Obama [among others] have shown us is an ongoing, lifelong task that transcends generations. Reminding ourselves of this nearly sacred
commitment is important. Time to give us back our FULL Bill of Rights! We have killed hundreds of times move human beings in our unjust wards against afghanistan and iraq, than were hurt here in 9/11. Why are the numbers never reported on fox news or even pbs? That is no way to strengthen our true security, when we just create more generations of terrorists who hate us. When terror is tyranny against the free, how are our own
freedom-limiting responses not terror? When we invaded Iraq, started using extraordinary rendition, sending "enemy combatants" to Gitmo, and eroding our freedoms, I was ashamed to be an American. We must undo the wrongs that were committed! America is the land of the free. Women and men have died for these civil liberties that they taking away. We have to stand up and speak out. God Bless America! ;O) I am more
afraid of our reaction to 9/11, even 10 years later, than I am of another possible attack. Demilitarize our domestic police force and restore our right to privacy--that will honor those who perished on that awful day better than what we have been doing.. If fear rules....freedom dies It is not only Americans' freedoms that must be protected. According to estimates of experts on Iraq, US soldiers have killed more than a million innocent civilians in Iraq
in the two Iraq wars, not to mention those killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan. These facts are also worth pondering with those of 9/11. Part of our right as American citizens is to be safe and free without compromising our freedoms. Our Constitution tells us that and it must be upheld. We must constantly evaluate the preservation of our rights and freedoms, so that their erosion, whether deliberate or inadvertent, does not occur. If
the price of peace is freedom; the price is to high. We need to honor those who lost their lives by following the Constution. "I pledge allegiance to the United States of America"....united in valuing every individual's rights. Each of us must contact our elected representatives and insist they abide by our Constitution. I pledge to work for a civil society by respectfully dialoguing with people even
those who differ with me. May Americans and especially our elected officials mark this sad anniversary with unity to work together to overcome the economic challenges crippling this country. Please end the wars. Let us take care of our Earth, our environment. We need to be people of peace, of hope, forgiveness and love. We need to care for each other not kill one another. Our infrastructure needs care, people need jobs. etc, etc, etc, We must not let terrorism erode our constitution and our freedom: if terrorism does that the terrorists accomplish their goals. America is founded on freedom and we need to always continue to be guardians of our rights. As long as the PATRIOT Act is law, the terrorists have won. Fear is NO reason to eliminate the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. To do so will be a victory for the terrorists! I mourn the loss of 3,000 lives on 9/11, but also 225,000 plus lives in the wars since that time. We are less safe now than then, and these wars of revenge have plunged us into recession and the loss of some of the civil liberties guaranteed by our Constitution. Who will restore sanity and integrity to our land? Those who wrap themselves in the flag and accuse others of not being patriotic because they question authority, are the most dangerous threat we face in
America. Clamping down on freedoms does not keep us safe. As a matter of fact, it keeps us decidedly unsafe. Sexual battery at airports, or don't fly, is safety ? Sounds more like virtual gunpointing, to me. Warrantless wiretapping without probable cause, extraordinary rendition and indefinite detention, warrantless arrests based on unilateral whims...is safety? Sounds like former Iron Curtain or Red CHina to me. Sounds like crimes. On our dime. This has nothing to do with
safety, and has everything to do with power and control, all cloaked in the guise of safety. Must we pay for such abuses? THat is ludicrous! The system of checks and balances must be restored, as must our civil liberties. ANd power belongs with the judiciary as a fundamental arm of government, and part of the system of checks and balances. The oath of office to uphold, protect and defend the US Constitution must be upheld, or we will vote you out of office and expose your voting records online
and in letters to the editor. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV) Over reaction to the tradgedy on 9/11/01 has led to irrational fears and those fears have been used to divide Americans and deprive certain groups of their civil rights. The extreme right wing in this country has used this fear to assault anyone who does not look or think, or believe like them or
those who simply disagree with their world view. "Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve and receive neither." Without our civil liberties, we have no liberty or freedom. Freedom is not free and it is not to be fluttered away. Stand up for the constitution and your rights.. NOW... My how easy it is to herd all us helpless, frightened creatures into a corner... TIME TO FIGHT BACK! What
if the truth about 911 is that certain specific people/organizations in this country wanted a "new Pearl Harbor" to allow the military/industrial complex to wage a forever war on a nebulous enemy. Brilliant!! Forget Russia or Communism. A " war on terrorism" can be directed to anybody, anywhere. Lastly, I just can't believe anybody would attack us because they were envious of our freedoms. without integrity nothing works Religeous Extremists tried to destroy
our economy by toppling the trade towers, in return we destroyed our own economy trying to dominate them. The oil was never worth the first American life. If the intent of the 9/11 attack was to destroy our freedom, they succeeded. This national paranoia has brought us to the brink of a Gestap/KGB state. People of many races, religions, and political ideals perished on that tragic day, we must honor them by holding steadfastly to our American ideals: One
nation, INDIVISiBLE, with liberty and justice FOR ALL! To allow these ideals to be deminished, only affords the perpatrators victory. On this anniversary of 9-11-01 I believe it necessary to remember what happened and to honor their sacrifice. What happened to the american dream? Like George Carlin said: "You have to be asleep to believe in it" 9/11 spawned an industry that capitalized on a war that didn't need to be fought and
benefitted GOP campaign contributors. It also provided the GOP with the opportunity to divide the country based on fear. It almost seems like they planned it. I PLEDGE TO CONTINUE TAKING A STAND TO PROTECT AND KEEP ALL OF OUR FREDOMS, FROM WHOEVER MIGHT TRY TO TAKE OR INFRING ON THEM. Is there anyone who trusts a Supreme Court that calls Corporations People? Is anyone still taking Romney seriously? It is in times of crisis that
the protection of our constitutional freedoms become most important ant is is often when those freedoms are most threatened from within. Peace Freedom and Respect The 10th. anniversary of 9/11 has been turned into a carnival, a celebration of crime. A celebration organized by those responsible for planning and executing the most heinous crime in the U.S. in my time. The constitution was written over two hundred years ago. As such,
I would not say it is any more "infallable" than the bible, the koran, the mahabaratta, the sutras, but, there is one thing I can say about it; it is an attempt to write into common law, equality, one for all and all for one, and the direction for the future of humanity which includes the bill of rights, enumerating the beginning of such a list of rights of humans by virtue only of their existence and without conditions, financial or otherwise.As such, an idea, enacted into common law, it ranks
with some of the other documents mentioned above. It proclaims intent to equalize the rights of human beings eventually, and such direction as worthy of the blood and sweat of generations to come. It was not an end, but a direction. We have further to go, and we need to commit to keeping successes and making more of them. Yeah well since I'm currently a victim of warrantless eavesdropping and taps you probably understand my current standpoint. AMERICA as we once knew it is
DEAD. We are all now slaves of a police state. On 9/11 there were both "victims" and "heroes". Let us remember them both. To me, our Constitution sets us apart from all other nations. We MUST be an active citizens and forever on the look out for those wanting to weaken its protection. The tragedy of 9/11 has forevermore changed my views. Safety and law must go hand and hand, within the legal limits of our laws. Thank you ACLU. Our
freedoms mean nothing if we sacrifice the freedoms of others in a misbegotten attempt to be safe. We need to participate in the direction our country takes. If we think that we cannot change the course of events - the truth we can. The best thing we can do is to be engaged and pay attention. All types of people died that day. All types of people live in this country. Our genius and our exceptionalism is that we can all live together in peace and with
respect. We cannot let fear destroy that. Those who want to destroy us will do so through fear. We have currently lost some of our freedom through fear and more will be lost in the future if we succumb to politically sponsored fear. You cannot preserve freedom by denying it to your own citizens or by shredding the Bill or Rights. In the words of Patrick Henry: "Give me [constitutional] liberty - or give me Death." I won't live my
last few years in fear! It is particularly when we are under attack and when fear is involved the we must stand firm in our protection of liberty. We cannot have liberty and freedom by allowing it to be inched away from us out of fear. Our freedoms and our Constitution and Bill of Rights must not be compromised because then the enemy will have won. The men & women who gave their lives on that historic day wouldn't even recognize their country
today. I want to live in the America of my youth...not in the land of the fearful, but the land of the free. It's nice to make this commitment in a somewhat formal way. I make it frequently, especially when I start to feel despair about the cruelty of some humans to others. In the midst of discouragement I renew my commitment. True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the
stuff of which dictatorships are made. Franklin D. Roosevelt Let all Americans stand up for a world classic":Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." "The highest patriotism is a love of one's country deep enough to call it to a higher standard." --George McGovern Best wishes and thank you for this incredibly important message to our politicians and our entire country. Cutting off our
freedoms gives into terror, allows al Queada a victory, and means those who died then & since, died in vain. They did not and we must not send that message. From the founding of this country, there have ALWAYS been assaults on the Constitution in the name of "protecting" its citizens. These "reasons" have never, ever been justified. From the suspension of habeas corpus under President Lincoln, to the incarceration of Japanese Americans in "internment" camps during
World War II, America has always been diminished when she is allowed to succomb to fear. The so-called "Patriot Act" is yet another in a long list of outrages that not only do not protect us, but also weaken those protections for which America has always stood. If fear rules, freedom dies. Our freedoms should never at any time be barter for protection. We have always been availed to fight for those freedoms but allowing them to be usurped by
anyone for any reason is a blow to our Constitution and what it stands for. Our nation was formed because of an intuitive desire for freedom. Let's continue to fight to preserve that. Terrrorism won't stop till we stop terrorizing the world. The Constitution is the foundation for America's excellence. This Constitution is an incredible document. It is up to the people to ensure its implementation.
Civil Liberties are critical to our way of life. Don't allow internal attacks on our constitution and civil liberties under the guise of protecting our country from external threats. FEAR= False-Enemy-Appears-Real Don't fall for the hype the media is peddling. Do your own research and find the truth. It is sad that an attack on our country from the outside has turned into an attack on our freedoms from the inside.
Our Founding Fathers founded our nation on the ideas that all people are created equal. That Big Brother should not invade our privacy with unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote endless wars. I vow to help reclaim the standards of integrity, decency, free speech, and good will that the politicians have stolen from us with their scare tactics and their public behavior since 9/11. They are the real threats to our democracy and way
of life. Corporations are not people and should not be accorded the same rights as individuals unless all individuals get to share in their corporate profits I have always thought that in our hysteria since 911 we, with our leaders fueling the flames, sacrificed much of what our republic stands for in the world: human rights above all else, freedoms guaranteed in our constitution, due process, privacy, and others. If we abandon the
principles that our nation was founded upon - including a commitment to liberty and justice for all - then terrorism works, and terrorism wins. This is the land of the free, not the fearful. I refuse to live in the land of the Fearful... I live in the Land of the Free :) Now more than ever before, we must fight to uphold the integrity of our Constitution. Let's stop destroying our civil rights in the name of freedom.
Tyrannous laws in the name of security only make us less free. Power to The People. The Bill of Rights, freedom, safety and security are not incompatible. The greatest loss this country has or will ever face is the loss of liberty suffered at the hands of the hyperbole that is the "War On" whatever. The need for protection from foreign terrorists does not require surrender of our civil liberties. Too long have we lived a diminished life due to the threat of "the boogeyman." There are far more present threats against our well-being in this country. If we simply look at our leading causes of death, we can see that our obsession with smoking and burgers stacked four-high are claiming more lives than terrorists ever have. If we're going to fund a never-ending "war" against something, let's make it something practical. How about Big tobacco? Or perhaps the poverty that drives people to eat
well-advertised garbage? It's time for us to learn from our mistakes, and move onward. Thanks for your time. WE NEED A STRONG CONSTITUTION!! I'm sad that after we vowed the terrorists wouldn't destroy us, we've let fear overcome the commitment to freedom that is the heart of what America is. The crimes of the Bush Administration and the perpetrators still need to be prosecuted for our country to redeem its values and integrity. No one
is above the law. "The seven common blunders are: Wealth without work Pleasure without conscience Knowledge without character Commerce without morality Science without humanity Politics without principle Rights without responsibilities." I pledge to stand up for freedom. It's important to keep fighting for civil liberties since fear seems destroy them. I fought for the USA in World War ll. I agree with the true,
silent patriots, with those who don't wave flags. how can we say we are fighting for freedom when we are undermining our own? If you don't stand for something; you'll fall for anything. America we will always stand for you. 9-11 victims we will never forget you all In my home town, we are touched by the fact that, although we lost so much when the towers fell, we as Americans never lost our hope for a better tomorrow and stronger
free nation. Let's keep our America safe, but free! Do The Right Thing! As an attorney, I am bound by oath to uphold the Constitution. Do not target groups by race, color, ethnicity, religion or gender. we must protect the freedom that made this country great. curtailing freedom will not promote or bring safety; the opposite is true. Although ACLU's efforts are true and noble, and at the
top of the heap when it comes to fighting for our rights and freedoms. I truly believe that there is only one way to rid ourselves of an invasion by corporations, their lobbyists and the typical meat-puppet politicians which sell out to the corporations long before they enter office. (excluding a small hand-full) This type of systemic fraud and misleading of the American people while stealing from us daily and murdering in our name and with our tax dollars for plain greed and corporate profit,
and nothing more elegant than that, IS in fact, the very core and cancer of a great nation and "democracy". This act which is now allowed by our supreme court gives the greedy corporations the right to buy our "leaders". This is nothing short of treason - as described by our constitution - and we must rise and hold all accountable for such acts, and for the mass murder of millions of world citizens, including our own who continue to be misled into senseless wars for the advancement of big
business. This change must include a free press, of which there is none of because mainstream media is also owned by the corporations. Evil lurks in darkness so, we must be sure that a free press will be there always, to serve as our beacon of light. Without it, there can be no democracy, but only the illusion of one. Thank you The Constitution: A pretty good thing! I am deeply concerned that we are withholding rights from those held in Guatanomo. The
rule of law must apply to all. When fear reigns, we lose sight of the freedoms we cherish. Our country is currently being attacked by the members of Congress more than the Terrorists. Their actions will destroy the people who are not the super rich 2%. Today I am more afraid of the legislative branch of our government that from any terrorist. Please give us our great country back to us. First, let's get all these
"pseudo' Christians out of the government or out of the country that want a Christian dominated USA, as unconstitutional as that is. Second, let's support a Palestinian homeland and stop pandering to Jewish money and Jewish votes. Peace in the middle east will never be attained without that. Peace in this country will never be attained without putting Christians in their proper place, which outside of government. What is needed is the Economy of Equivalences. An hour's work
is an hour's work anywhere in the world. You will get paid in time credits, not dollars. Modern computers can calculate how long it takes for, say, a pound of potatoes to go from field to table. You pay in minutes, not dollars. Things become very cheap, because for the first time in history price and value are the same, that is, profits do not drive the engine. People will work fewer hours and gain a high standard of living. This will wipe out poverty worldwide. I can send detailed information
on request. We need to be free from the fear that our own citizens bombbard us with....fear of different people, different nations, different religions. Let's remember that all humans were created equal and have the same rights. All who have broken their oath to defend the Constitution must make restitution to the People. Bin Laden is dead. We are now our own worst enemy. Let's stop destroying our own
freedoms. Liberty and Justice for all! Mu nephew, Sgt. Andrew C, Nicol was KIA, August 8, 2010 in defending our Constitution. He was killed in Afganistan. We need every member of this country to read the Bill of Rights and pay attention to its terms. Too many are riding roughshod over them just when we need to heed them the most. If we live in fear and try to restrict our freedoms, then the terrorists
won. It is shameful that the Bush administration exploited this horrible tragedy to get what they wanted. I vow to fight the inhumane and immoral laws that our governments may try to impose on us. for the victims and family to world trade center ; i honor them in a moment of silence. Stop the war, all the people would like to live in peace. I have been standing for more than 50 years; though I am tired I will continue to stand.
Our Constitution was written to garantee our Personal Freedoms. It is reprehensable that "Our Government" has used 9/11 as a means to erode those freedoms. Spying on US Citizens......SHAME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We can not abandon our principles in the name of Terrorist, then we are no better than them. responses should not be forced--they should be free-will responses. Note "free" as in freedom! The saddest of events, the aftermath
and the turn of direction away from respecting our individual rights may even be sadder, it certainly is not a fitting way to respond to the crisis and leaves a false legacy to the inheritors of our once proud and free society. WE CANNOT LIVE FREE IN A LAND WHERE EVERYONE IS GUILTY UNTIL PROFF OF INNOCENT WE the People I escaped from the 49th floor of the south tower on 9/11. Don't let anyone take away our civil liberties in the name
of that day. That will have meant that the terrorists won. I hope everyone in this country to continue working together and protecting our freedom forever . America IS it's Constitution and Bill of Rights. To paraphrase Franklin, it is OUR Republic--if we can keep it. Sadly, the torture and wars initiated by our leaders after 9/11 have done more to send our country into a downward course more than the events of 9/11 ever did.
The ACLU was one of the only groups to voice opposition to the internment of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor. We must never allow our enemies to cause us to destroy our freedoms in the name of security. KEEP THE PEACE! Now reading MANUFACTURING HYSTERIA by Jay Feldman...I would say that most intelligent people would not buy into this but FEAR...government approved et al and its times or crisis, be it war, the
economy or environmental et al...fear is used to manipulate the public...covertyl, overtly, by lies of omission, censorship, untruths, etc, etc. As I.F. Stone wrote ALL GOVERNMENTS LIE letting the public think wrong or directing them to think and act wrong for alterior motives and agendas by those in control and it ain't us. Internal fear will destroy us....long before any outside force will. That's what our enemies are banking on. Only we can stop that by insisting our
Constitution is respected and followed. Learning about the Constitution and our rights shouldn't end when we leave school. Freedom for all, not just for some. 9/11 should not be used as an excuse to abandon our freedoms. America stands for freedom and justice for all people. Let's not let a power-hungry few take that away from the many! Fear is the opposite of love. The more we fear the less we
love. So why do I love freedom & fear my government. The better question is why do they fear me. I just want to be free. And for the rest of humanity to be free like me. Free from captivity & all forms of tyranny. Free from all misery. Freedom is not free but the middle class is the foundation of a democracy. In such critical times as these, we all need to remind ourselves of the values and the price of our democracy. It is
important to be vigilant but not succumb to irrational fear We don't have to act like our enemies to defend ourselves. Bush lied ~ People died. I was in NYC on that day and will never forget the tragedy or for that matter the tragedy of the Bush administration. I refuse to fear terrorists whose only substantial weapon is fear mongering. Next time there's a terrorist alert on a bridge near you, go ride your bike across it. Too often, we give in to our fears in dealing with "the others" among us. Brave Americans welcome those differences. In 'times of crisis,' any violation of a constitutional right' to deal with the 'crisis,' in my opinion, is counter-productive to the alleged intent of such violators to protect the constitutional rights of Amercan citizens. We must reverse the path we're on or the terrorists will have won. Freedom of speech is
the foundational human right. I love my country, my Constitution, and my freedoms. For this reason, I support the ACLU and its protections thereof. Freedom is best assets that human being can have, so protect our constitution isesponsibilty of all us. I believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked I pledge to continue taking a stand for
freedom. If we don't have our freedom, what is life worth? Lets take this annivesary to fight to end the two irresponsible wars we are in and focus on the ideals that make this country great. We must preserve our heritage of freedom and justice for all 9/11/73 we over thru the gov of chile. Nobody said we were terrorists. I believe in a Secular America that I defended every day of my 20
year US Navy career; one founded on the belief in the ideas of our Nation's founders who experienced first hand the dangers of church sucking up to state. I was appalled at then President GW Bush using the tragedy of 9/11 as a smokescreen to violating international sovereignty and domestic constitutionally protected freedoms. These baseless attacks on freedoms cannot be tolerated! If we erode our freedoms then we're handing our enemies their victory.
It is absurd to believe that we can defend freedom by attacking freedom. Make a difference by teaching others about the Constitution. Knowledge put into action is power. Together we have the power to make change. Part of the ideaa of American Exceptionalism is that we are a nation of laws that are designed to protect the rights of all and particularly the least of us and sometimes the most despised. It is easy to forget how much
we must struggle to preserve those rights. The Constitution is still a important part of our Freedom. Use it the correct way by not bending it for evil ways. The Virginia Declaration of Rights still stands, even when the Patriot Act abrogated the Declaration of Independence of 1776. Today one my use intellect, rather than a gun to cope with the present situation with the uS government. We are all Americans. It dose not matter was race,
color or religion we are. We should all stand together to help protect our Constitutional Rights. Fearing everything is not living. Let Freedom ring with Truth and Fearlessness. Freedom is the most expensive thing we own; don't lose it. If, like me, you want your country back, join me and thousands of others in the occupation of Washington starting October 6. Our "Freedoms" still lure
immigrants from all over the world -- people who know what life is like with them. Reverse the Patriot Act. It is outdated and dangerous. We must all be equal before the law and the duty of our government is the protection of the rights of the people. The Patriot Act is completely Un-Constitutional as are the many Congress people and Senators who have dual citizenship in Israel and America. We need to return to CONSTITUTIONAL
GOVERNMENT in this country PERIOD If fear rules freedom dies.Give backmy full constitutional rights! Live free or die! the GOP sucks. Rock on Obama. Please vote for a DEM house and senate also in 2012. Very important. Our greatest enemy is not foreign violence but rather domestic apathy. Repeal the Patriot Act; also, let's bar employers from doing invasive screenings and asking too many personal
questions. It's important that we take the blindfolds off for good and recognize state crimes against democracy (false flag attacks) such as 9/11 and find and prosecute the real perpetrators. Until then they will keep destroying what's left of our Constitution, and everything else. The commemoration of 9/11 should not provide an excuse for continued anti-Muslim sentiment or for erosion of our civil libergies. One thing remembered
from Howard's Zinn's work is his insistence that THE PEOPLE HAVE POWER! Don't u think he's rite on? We must respond to and remember these vicious attacks not as we have, by restricting our freedom and rights. We must respond with more hope, more freedom, more love, not fear. At least for now, the terrorists have won, including our own so-called leaders. We are tired of living in fear. Stop attacking your own Citizens. Even
just the threat of losing our freedom is, effectively, losing our freedom I will always fight for freedom! Terrorists cannot defeat us outright, so they try to make us turn on ourselves out of fear. Don't let them succeed. The America I believe in protects everyone's rights and doesn't abandon the Constitution when challenged. We have gone way too far down the road to fascism. freedom and justice
for all. how far have we gotten from these principles with trickle up economics, right wing lies, edging closer towards fascism, plutocracy, if we haven't already arrived. we need a refresher course in basic patriotism. If we have to wonder if our own government is listening to us, is it really our government anymore? To get back to our constitution --we need to right our wrongs! Stop spying on the american people without a legal warrent--Get that
passed (G.W.Bushes) administraightion on WAR CRIMES... just for starts We have fought wars against nations that have done what we are doing now. Western civilization is based upon the principlrs and freedoms put forth by our Constitution ...eroding its basic rights and truths for sake of safety, cause the opposite effect. The decline of western civilization itself. It is time for our Constitutional Scholar of a President to
stand up for the Constitution. "United we stand, divided we fall." Unfortunately, our great nation is in an extremely vulnerable position right now, because we seem to be divided by those who have money and those who don't. Let's fight to return our great nation to "for the people and by the people." 9-11 was a false flag operation, led by cheney and planned by the PNAC gang. The towers were taken down by controlled demolition. I am
so thankful that I can help retain the constitution through the ACLU especially since there are others who are always trying to undermine it. I am very proud to be a member of the ACLU. The attacks on our constitutional rights since 9/11 have been relentless. All in the name of keeping us "safe". I would substitute the word "repressed" for "safe". humanitarianism first .. If not now, when? Civil liberties most need
defending when power exploits fear! We the people are sick and tired of you ignoring the constitution. We the people stand for a higher moral value in tough times. We the people believe in due process. We the people demand you do your job and stop placing the burden's of your corporate war on the poor and middle class while the richest get richer. A third party is the only way we will see real democracy in the country! In
times of crisis, we need to adhere even MORE to the Constitution, not trample on it in the name of "security". I follow a minority religion. I'm Sikh, we're the only ones who wear turbans in the US. I don't want to be made to feel like a suspect anymore. I am also concerned about those of the far right Religious Politicans who to change our form of Government to a Bible based government. Susan Herman;s book says it best. Everyone
ought to buuy a copy. I did. Ten years after, we need to stop being ruled by fear and suspicion. United we stand divided we fall. You stand for the first freedom, which facilitates all the others. I'm proud to be a member. Peace achieved only by fear and intimidation is not acceptable. We can and should do better, so that Americans today and in generations to come, can speak with pride about their country.
Stop the TI program!!! Help us sue!!! If anything, the terror of 9/11 means that we must be even more committed to defending diversity, trust, and unification between Americans of all colors and creeds, and with our brethren the world over. A world of acceptance and tolerance is exactly the kind of thing terrorists work to take away. Let us never forget the principles our great nation was founded upon. When you
take things for granted, the things you are granted, get taken. I want America to be the country I came to as a refugee. I find this country becoming more and more fundamentalistic and nationalistic which I see as dangerous. We were doing well before the Bush administration got literally away with murder. It has been downhill since. With the ACLU as a beacon of light I retain some hope for a decent future for our grandchildren... "No
one is free while others are oppressed." 9/11 was a crime against humanity, but it did not excuse the numerous crimes committed in response. OKAY GOVERNMENT - STOP TRYING TO CONTROL EVERY SINGLE ASPECT OF OUR LIVES. WHAT WILL YOUR TACTICS BE WHEN WE FINALLY GET UP THE GUTS TO REVOLT? REALLY REVOLT? Please don't stop the fight. Fear not - be bold and brave - but always revere our civil liberties. Behold, here I am: witness againist me before the Lord and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressd? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. I Samuel 12:3 When you devalue the people you devalue the dollar. F.D.R stated it all so clearly, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!" Over the years many
wrongs have been committed in the name of patriotism. If our Constitution cannot grant us both freedom and safety, then it is a failure. I believe that it can. When fear takes over our adversaries have truly won. What makes this country great is it's values regarding freedom and the Bill of Rights. As a proud american I think it is very important for all of us as americans to stand up for what we believe in. We can't allow people to come into our country
and take over. We have to protect our country and do what is right for everyone. They win when we give up our freedoms. We must stand strong! We are going to have to take to the streets in large numbers - as well as the courts - to regain our civil liberties lost since 9/11. We needto uphold the Consstitutaion and treat all ;people with dignity and kindness. This is also what the Bible teaches us. NO TO
CORPORATE & OLIGARCHIC RULE! 1984 was not an instruction manual. Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither. We cannot let threats or fear of threats allow us to compromise who we are as people with rights. As President Roosevelt said: There is nothing to fear but fear itself! We can be safe without compromising our liberties. I enlisted just after my 18th birthday and spent
24 years in the Army. I am as committed to defending the Constitution today as I was as an idealistic young man. Not since the Cold War ended has a U.S. President looked so hard for enemies as after 9/11; and when the Bush Administration couldn't find them, they created them with the above-stated strategies. It's way past time to utilize our Constitutional freedoms to win back our international allies, to win over our previous enemies, and re-establish everyone's safety on
Earth. Our men and women fight for our freedoms daily their sacrifices should not be in vain. The individual freedoms stipulated by our Bill of Rights and Amendments are precious. Removing any of them for the sake of safety loses sight of the bigger picture of these important documents and would be a setback for America. Rather, let us strengthen the Constitution by ensuring ALL citizens--Native Americans, African Americans, people of all races,
religions, and ways of life--are ensured the same inalienable rights. The attacks of 2001 became the overarching excuse to decimate our civil liberties. The terrorists didn't destroy our Constitution, we did it to ourselves. It is time, we Americans, took back our power from greedy war-mongers and unscrupulous, parasitic private enterprises which profit from the pain of others. It is time we brought home our troops who each day die needlessly on foreign
soils to protect the interests of petroleum corporations. Let us rebuild our nation with dignity and pride. We need to stand up for freedom to protect ourselves from encroaching state surveillance. We need to democratize control over official surveillance systems. I believe in the constitution and live by it. Lets pledge to continue our freedom. i find it unbeloieve that 9/11 has been the excuse for abusing our civil rights.and our way
of living life without continuing to cause unwarentd fear in the american people When we saw the attacks of 9/11. we were horrified and terrified. Unfortunately, we gave in to the terror and in the name of security, suborned the very freedoms we cherished. We let the terrorists win by changing the way we did things. We can change it again. We have the laws already there, in the Constitution to do so. We all must fight for it and ourselves and I, for one, will do until the day I
die. Never forget 9/11/2001. Never forget Bush at that instant: seven minutes of dumbfounded silence. Never forget the next-day words of Bush, "Go shopping", and EPA director Whitman, "The air is safe". Never forget "Bin Ladin Determined to Strike in US", the 8/6/2001 memo of actionable intelligence that Bush didn't act on, allowing thousands' deaths. Never forget where Bush invaded in response: Iraq, where Saddam truthfully denied WMD's -- not Afghanistan, where Osama went
then and al-Qaeda still trains -- killing twice the Americans bin Laden did. Never forget the PATRIOT Act trampling the Constitution: warrantless wire-tapping, torture, detaining people without charges, etc., etc. Never forget two no-bid contracts: Cheney's with his KBR and Halliburton to get Iraq's oil, and Giuliani's with his Motorola buddies for the FDNY's and EMS's bad radios. Never forget on Election Day: these and other Republicans never got Osama; Democrat Obama did. There is no more important time to take a stand for freedom than when it is most challenged by those who prefer expedience over what is right. We need to return to a Democratic Republic based on our Constitution, Bill of rights and checks and balance of 3 separate branches of government, Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches. Let the legisslative make the laws, the judial to make sure laws are Constitional, and Executive to enforce the laws. The President has no
business making laws with executive orders or letters. Law making is for the legislature. Freedom without life is meaningless. Victims of terrorism the world over are not offered a choice. They are brutally deprived of their lives and therefore of their freedom. There must be a balance between the protection of our rights and the protection of our lives. The latter comes first. Therefore, if there is no other choice, it is better to have a few people imprisoned wrongly
than many more innocents blown to bits because civil libertarians insisted on letting suspected terrorists go. If you disagree with this logic, I suggest you re-examine your priorities. The exploitation of 9/11 began almost immediately, as the loss 2900 plus lives were used to justify all manner of legislation, military action that linger to this day. Neither these precious lives nor the Constiution should be subject to such egregious, crass abuse. "THE
CONSTITUTION" ONE FOR ALL,,,,,OR ALL HAVE NONE !!!! FREEDOM isn;t FREE Freedom Now! I'm sorry we have to be herded into our Owners formations like this. Today I will go attempt to get people attending a 9/11 disclosures - against the outside invasion doctrine - to register in Peace and Freedom Party, which works to build socialist struggle. Because of Proposition 14 we will be knocked off the ballot if we don't double our registration
by 2013. This at a time when we are working to put together efforts to get socialism onto ballots throughout the U.S. the whole point of those locally planned attacks was to impose freedom limiting proposals more strictly onto us all. We only have one opportunity to lose our freedom, once it is gone it is gone forever. I was a volunteer various times for long shifts @ St. Paul's Chapel. This began some two weeks after 9/11 while flames
were still burning and the air was enflamed with toxicity. While at Ground Zero, I felt that I was at the intersection between good and evil. The rescuers and subsequently recoverers, were all doing sacred work. Our society must do better! We can do better. We must do better; and we can and must do this in ways that enhance and protect the civil rights and civil liberties of all of us! Democrat or Republican, EVERYBODY is entitled to persue their own American Dream. But
Nobody can persue their American Dream if our freedoms to follow our own hearts and minds are stripped of us. Mr. President, please protect the freedom and rights of ALL Americans, not just the lucky born-rich few. Without our civil liberties we are not free. As Bejamin Franklin said, "Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship." Violating the rights of the American people is that leak. Becoming peacemakers is
the only way to memorialize those who died that day. May we seek out peace as fervently as most seek out war and revenge. We must not overreact, no matter the provocation. Get corporations out of our government. Return it to the people. In the face of fear and danger, freedom and tolerance are needed more than ever. It is regrettable that 9/11 has been used to circumvent the Constitution. I for one will
welcome the day when we return to our good values and preserve our civil rights. People need to stop refueling hate because of this tragic event, and start spreading love to everyone! I think if everyone came together and started caring about each other, then we could avoid another tragedy in the future! The intent of the constitution first and foremost is to protect the interests of the people FROM the government. Racial
profiling has affected me in ways that I can't even explain. But, to make a long story short it hurts not only me, but my race and how this country is viewed by the world. United we stand. A Democracy is the government of the People by the People, not against the People. My how things have changed. As a veteran of the armed services, I was prepared to lay down my life in defence of our freedoms including frededom from oppression and freedom from
goverment intrusion. For our elect to have betrayed us by surrendering our values in a difficult time is the worst offense of all. Civil liberties must be protected even in times of adversity.We must adhere to the principle of innocent until proven guilty. defind the Constitution always, I can see God's hand in it. see TSL.org I fear all of our communications are being monitored. Who's freedoms are our soldiers fighting for?
I never really understood how important the Constitution was until I lived next door to a public defender and he explained that all people have rights provided by the Constitution and what separates the USA from the other political systems is the reality of this document and how it applies to all. I refuse to give up my freedom for a false sense of security. An iron fist may shield, but it also crushes. If we do not maintain our
principals and civil liberties then it becomes a witch hunt. Intolerance of diversity breeds fear and fear breeds hatred. THAT is un-American. Legalize freedom! My message is clear and simple: If we cannot maintain our liberty and still manage to be safe (which I do believe we can), I would rather be unsafe, period. One Nation under God with Liberty and Justice for all. One of our founding
fathers once said, "When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty." JFK also said "There is little value in issuing the survival of our nation if our traditions do not survive with it. And there is grave danger that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by those anxious to expand its meaning to the very limits of official censorship and concealment." Let us never forget. Only Americans can
destroy America. Our eniemies only win if we give in to terror by voiding our basic civil liberties. Our founding fathers had it right in the beginning, we do not have to give up our liberties for security, we just need better leaders. Over the last decade our leaders have tried to turn this country into a facist police state in the name of national security. They must not be allowed to succeed Peace for Freedom
for Peace REPEAL THE PATRIOT ACT Stop the Fear and Hate! The phrase "freedom isn't free" applies more accurately to the ACLU than to any other organization in the United States. THE REPUBLICAN PARTY SHOULD BE ABOLISHED.. The struggle for freedom, equality, and individual liberty is the story of America. There is nothing to be afraid of. This single
document has survived and guided generations of americans. Even in wwii when we imprisoned the japanese americans through fear rather than rational thinking, the constitution prevaled, please take this oppertunity to commit to the constitution of our fathers which this great nation is based on, and support the values of our forefathers. Jim This tragedy was co-opted by moneyed interests by the Bush administration to further their agenda via the war in Iraq. Further, by
passing laws to further "national security" the upper strata have increased their control, manipulation and the resulting subservience of middle and poor class people. "Never waste a crisis, when you can make money from it!" has worked for the rich. To be free takes commitment to one's true self, to others, and to the ideals of living in a peaceful and nurturing society, now global in extent. we have lost if we continue to give up our freedoms and yield
to the intimidation's of a police state We must be vigilant against terrorist and as well those who vilolate our rights as free citizens. We must commit to stopping the rapid erosion of the freedoms we enjoy. We must defend our Constitutional liberties as diligently from domestic enemies as from those who are foreign, and, regrettably, America's leaders are too often the enemy in this battle. We must remain
vigilant in protecting our civil liberties, while also protecting our country. It can be done without infringement of the Constitution. We should never ever lower our standard of behavior of prisoner treatment. When we allow terrorists to frighten us into eliminating our civil rights and liberties, they achieve their goal of destroying our society and its values. Freedom is not free, nor can it defend itself against most of those who
seek to degrade or diminish it. LET'S GET BACK TO THE USA "BILL OF RIGHTS" ENFORCMENT" ,AND NOT THE USA GOVERNMENTS CONSTITUIONALITIES.... ALL people are equal. Freedom. Remember that word and teach its profound meaning to our kids--and grandkids. If we claim to be the world's role model, we must behave properly - and follow the rule of law. How is it that Dick Cheney can brag that his
decision to allow torture was fine? I am grateful for the ACLU> I have watched and listened over the past few years as our constitutional rights have been slowly but systematically carved away. It is time for the Amercian people to stand in solidarity against anyone, including our own government, whose agenda is to disempower the people. I recommit to standing up for freedom Let Freedom ring! Liberty
is the basis of security. A patriot would not let a terrorist change the world. Nothing new about terrorism. Founders established American way with full awareness of evil. Goal of zero risk entails more risk. Strategy of terrorists is to make target flip into self-destructive mode, wasting resources and attacking self. Analogy can be found in body which destroys self with fever and imflamation in response to pathogens, which would last longer if host survived. Self-destruction is not the wisest
form of defense. Don't honor terrorists with imitation. I feel much less safe knowing so many rights have been taken away I love my country and will always speak out against those who are crippling her. We cannot let terrorists, fear, or our own government silence us. Too many people have died protecting our freedom to allow our constitution to be subverted by selfish interest groups and secret agencies. Americans need to awaken to
the real dangers we face from within. Because of the rich people our government is going down the drain. Big Brother is here and we invited him in due to FEAR. If we lose our freedom, we lose the "war on terror." We must never forget. I don't have a new message--just keep up the good work, ACLU On 9/11 we should not only mourn the loss of thousands of lives, but we
should also mourn the loss of our freedom and liberty. Will our beloved nation ever be the same? Enough....balance is important. There is no reason for us to live with this much fear. I won't stop fighting for equality, freedom, power to the people and justice until I drop dead. Government for and by the people, not special interests who feel they can benefit from a disaster such as 911 to implement policies that attack our rights
of privacy and our freedom of religion, freedom of press , and freedom of expression. If 9/11 takes away our freedom, then the terrorists will have won something, and something significant. For a mans (or womans) freedom is nothing to be trifled with. Liberty or Death, we will settle for nothing in-between. of the people,bye the people and for the people......learn it, live it, love it then do it!!!! September 11 has really impacted
America. We have to work together and protect our freedoms. We must continue to promote education, jobs, health benefits, our rights, and our beliefs. We have the ability to make a difference and we must continue to fight for our rights. Things may look bad in America right now but we have the power to turn things around. We have to trust God and believe in him in times of uncertainty. We are not fighting against flesh and blood, we are fighting against principalities and powers of darkness in
the world. We must stand up and fight for what we believe in and help those who are less fortunate. Together we can turn things around in America and we can reclaim what's been taken away in our country. The Bill of Rights and our Constitution are absolute and represent the ultimate protection of America's ideals. They need no additional help from the Politicians to protect us. We are all citizens of planet earth and should refuse to continue to be
manipulated by corporations into war. While I was not surprised when it happened, while educating students, I was surprised that it took so long, both for the same reasons- when the beginning the ways the Capitalists and right after being crowned Dictator Bush have treat US and The World. Yes, I do completely believe 09/11/01 was not created to ratchet-up the destroying of the poor in The USA and The World ways of The Capitalist. Thus, WE NEED TO CHANGE 9/11 from what the
Capitalists have made it to be, greater money and power making racket, into instrument of spreading understanding, appreciation, peace and love!! While I was not surprised when it happened, while educating students, I was surprised that it took so long, both for the same reasons- when the beginning the ways the Capitalists and right after being crowned Dictator Bush have treated US and The World. Yes, I do not completely believe 09/11/01
was not created to ratchet-up the destroying of the poor in The USA and The World ways of The Capitalist. Thus, WE NEED TO CHANGE 9/11 from what the Capitalists have made it to be, greater money and power making racket, into instrument of spreading understanding, appreciation, peace and love!! El 9/11 es una excusa del gobierno para quitarnos nuestra libertad. And this includes our Second Amendment rights to keep AND
bear arms. I believe it is important that those that mis-quote and mis-use the constitution be called accountable and appolgize to the American people for blatant lies. I am descended from one of the 50 American casualties at the Battle of King's Mountain. He didn't die to a few men rich. He died to make all of us free! I want to live in the land of the Free and the home of the Brave ... America! The constitution only
has value if we consistently adhere to it. Making it an "only in good times" song permits the worst instincts and prejudices to rise to the surface and rule our lives. The USA is a land of diverse peoples and their diverse religious beliefs. It is difficult to think of a single spiritual belief extant on earth that is not shared or held by some one person in the USA, or instead, a concept of ethics for those persons who desire not to be associated with organized religions or
spirituality. The term "Islamic Terrorists" and "Islamic Extremists" are terminologies I have strongly opposed since the inception of their usage--by our politicians and by our news media--anywhere. One does not hear of the Italian Mafia referred to as "Catholic Extremists" or "Catholic Terrorists," even though historically that is the religious background of the upbringing of Italian persons. We need to use the correct terminology for criminals anywhere on this planet: Criminal, Thug,
Outlaw--see following entries for synonyms for these types of organized criminals (which are not, and should be not, associated with any particular religious or ethnic group): "Main Entry: organized crime Part of Speech: noun Definition: coordinated criminal organization Synonyms: Black Hand, Cosa Nostra, Mafia, gangland, mob, organized crime family, the Syndicate, the mob, the rackets, the syndicate, the underworld..." From Thesaurus.com. We must "honor" our Constitution or
the teriorists win. Since President Bush made this statement, "If your not with us, you are with the terrorist," we have been subjected to an every increasing loss of our freedom, and civil liberties. We now have so many private security contractors creating fear where it does not exist that our security is being subverted. National Preparedness Month Coalition Member -TRI-County Community Emergency Response Team Prep We must be the
"land of the free" without being the land of the afraid. We need to remember that many of us pledged daily "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." I would hope we can eliminate hate and sow love in its place. I support the ACLU's efforts to protect our civil rights . If we give up our Liberty in favor of security, we will have neither. We can have both. Stand strong against Tyranny! Ten years later, we are
seeing our elected officials act even more power hungry than ever. As John Locke said, "should the government abuse the rights of the governed, it was the natural responsibility of the people to rise up and overthrow their leaders." The Elites use of fear to control the population following 9/11 was an unconscionable abuse of power. The ceaseless state of perceived emergency attached to the post 9/11 climate in America allows for the perpetual violation of certain
Constitutional protections. Coercive interrogation toward suspected terrorists is tolerated, if not wholly endorsed by the government and its people, yet liberal Courts have been consistent in holding that coercion elicits inherently untrustworthy information. Also, "voluntarily" and "coercion" are terms open to legal interpretation, bringing into question when the former ends and the latter begins. To propel this notion one step farther, it is the same ambiguous language which challenges the
verisimilitude of coerced confessions and blurs the line of delineation separating interrogation from torture. United States differentiates itself from previous great powers in history in that it's "romantic", ie. it really believes in justice and fairness. It sometimes treasures its value more than its interest. This unprecedented uniqueness makes it a beacon of the world. People in every corner of the world who has justice and fairness in their hearts would love United
States. This could also be the reason God blesses US. Let's face it, the prosperity and power US enjoys today doesn't come as an inevitable. It's more like an accident. It's more like God's blessing. It's a privilege. Don't let the terrorists destroy it. Don't let Al Queda win. The alternative is obvious: taking out the principles of justice and freedom, you will get a US that is no more differentiated from any country in the world, or even some developing countries. If you happen to come across
any movie about the third world, you may feel how blessed you are, "Gosh, I am glad it doesn't happen here." Now spend one moment to imagine taking out the protection of the Constitution. You see it? Yes, it can happen here. Human being are the same, especially those in power. It's only because of the Constitution it didn't happen here. We have an obligation to create a better world for ourselves and our kids. We have to break through the fear to be truly free.We must
reinstate our Bill of Rights. "Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did." Rabbi Yehoshua ben Yosef I stand, not only for the protections from our government, but to extend those freedoms and protections to protect us from corporations, too. If we forsake civil liberties and personnal freedom then what's the point of fighting foreign enemies from invading our country? If we lose our freedom in
order to defend ourselves, than we have lost what we are defending. Our founding fathers vision was a small government ruled by the people and subject to the will of the people. That is you and me! Do you feel like you have a say in anything? This country needs to be ran by the overwhelming majority, not the rich minority The Patriot USA Act is anything but patriotic. Ben Franklin said that those who would sell their liberty for security deserve
neither. We need to investigate and prosecute the illegal activities of the Bush administration and undo the abusive features of the Patriot Act. We need to install monitoring units in law enforcement and security departments to ensure that all activities are legal. Only by protecting our individual rights and liberties can we be an example of freedom to the world. We the People will awake and rise up to take our Republic back from the money-powered
corporations. YES! . . . I stand for true freedom . . . We must remember our routes of freedom, and fight to stay attuned with their meaning. People rule, not corporations. America can and must be safe and free. Corporations are not the people. The founding fathers feared corporate power for reasons that are now apparent to all. We need to fight to take back America for THE PEOPLE. Let's be
free. Fear is the oldest tactic in the book to inforce laws & abuses toward people. When one is in a state of Fear we tend to stand still, we make bad decissions, & we will eventually lose our Freedom. We MUST protect our Constitution, as our Fore-Fathers learned from living in FEAR and came to America to be FREE, and to make sure all others who followed would also live in the LAND OF THE FREE...... America is a land governed by the people
and for the people. It is not a prison governed by quasi-elected overlords. Protect our freedoms and we will take care of the rest. I mourn the loss of life on that day, but moreover, I mourn the loss of America's Innocence. We were deeply hurt by the events of 9/11, but were more hurt by the acts of those who were sworn to uphold our values. They took advantage of us, while we were busy mourning, to pass policies that offend the American Sensibility. How they sleep at
night is a mystery to me. I think it was Benjamin Franklin who said that people who are willing to give up liberty for safety deserve neither. That is why we must remember 09/11 by protecting our rights to be free citizens, otherwise all the people who died in this tragedy died in vain. I will not be chained by fear. I choose to stand for freedom. If we lose our Constitutional Civil Liberties in the name of homeland security
the terrorists of 9/11 succeeded in their mission of destroying the United States and what it stands for.We can never let that happen as guardians of liberty, Our Constitution & freedoms are what make our enemies hate us so much. When we sacrifice our rights in the name of "security," we're playing into the hands of the terrorists, making our country a little less of what it's supposed to be. As the famous quote (attributed to various Founding Fathers, with slight
variations in wording) says, those who give up liberty in the name of safety deserve neither. Thank you, ACLU, for standing up for our freedoms in the wake of 9/11. These freedoms are what makes our country truly great. The unity we had in the days following showed us the best of America, the best of humanity. Washington DC was sure to squander that, both home and abroad, and chipped away at our freedoms. Today, we are more divided than ever. I
pledge to make sure we recognize the best in ourselves and each other. I pledge to make sure we remember our humanity, remember our commonalities and remember that together we stand, divided we fall. We are stronger as a nation with our Constitution and our resolve to defend it against erosion will aid us in the pursuit of justice. We must continue to fight for our rights and freedom in order to prevent this catastrophic event from reoccurring.
Justice means also understanding the roots of what we call terrorism and ensuring that we are not feeding those roots. A measure of a society is not the rights of citizen's it protects when times are easy - but when times are hard... freedoms are too valuable and important to sacrifice simply out of fear Let us use this time of remembrance to strengthen our commitment to peace and social justice. I KEEP HOPING THAT ALL AMERICANS REMEMBER THAT CRIMINALS HARMED US , NOT THE PEOPLE OF ISLAM. WE ALL NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT CRIMINALS CAN BE RAISED IN ANY FAITH. SO LET US BE FAIR IN OUR THINKING. THANK YOU. MAY GOD BLESS ALL. LOVE TO ALL, jeri WI USA We have lost many pieces of freedom since e 9/11. "Those who give up freedom for safety deserve. neither." I intend to continue standing up for freedom for everyone in this nation. We
need to protect our rights, and not live in fear. Eliminate "Patriot Act"; & T S A and to restore my cnstitutional rights. I have a light in the bedroom window of my home that will shine until the Patriot Act is repealed. The past ten years have been catastrophic for civil liberties in our country and we are all diminished because of it. I stand up for the constitution when it comes under attack from right wing extremists like
the tea party who want to distort and modify the constitution. Race and religion should not be discriminated against under the Consitiution, whether it be a tea party republican, or an everyday American. Discrimination and racism is totally unacceptable under the Consitiution of the United States. Transparency begets freedom; fear begets tyranny. We need to reassert and regain our freedoms lost in the "Patriot Act." We need to quit living in fear. A free
people have less to fear than those who are watched. 9/11 was at least intentionally allowed to happen to profit the military-industrial complex and provoke war in the Middle East, of course. I believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. It is far past
time that we repealed the Patriot Act -- an Act that unpatriotically strips Americans of their basic rights. On the ten year anniversary of this tragic event, it is more important than ever that we as a country recommit to protecting civil rights and personal freedoms, unhindered by draconian legislation such as the Patriot Act. Ten years ago, a tragedy happened. We came together as a nation. Certain leaders decided to take advantage of our patriotism and turn it into a
hatred of Muslims and other people. We must re-claim America. We have no permissible excuse to be a nation that terrorizes the rights and privileges of its own citizenry. Virtue can only as real - and operable - as the values that buttress it. bin Laden wins if we lose our freedom. All we have is one vote, but we are many. I grew up in this country, although I am a naturalized citizen. The commitment I made when I took my oath
still means something to me. I wonder if members of Congress ever think about the oath they took. Defend the Constitution through all dark hours and threats . . . . from without and within. No one can look at what those brave souls of Flight 93 did, putting their fear aside to do the right thing. The heart swells for their amazing patriotism. True patriotism is fighting for what is right. And there is nothing more right than freedom. the
Right Wing has NO insight into the Constitution Under the US Constitution any individual has the right to do anything they want as long as it doesn't hurt others or restrict there freedom. We Americans have become less a " Home for the Brave and Land of the Free" over the past several years. We're willing to easily give up our individual freedoms because we lack courage. What would Jefferson have thought of the abuse of power and the loss
of the responsibiities to follow the Constitution and to keep the public informed? I believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. I firmly believe in our Constitution, but with Democans and Republicrats Hell-bent on the post-apocalypse, and the Fringe wanting to strip us of our rights, like the
Environment, I'm beginning to wonder if it's not too late?!!! I've read the biographies of nearly 200 of our founders,Revolutionary War leaders/heroes,Civil War leaders/heroes,frontiersmen and pioneers.As strong as the spirit of freedom and liberty was in their times,today it is felt even more. 9/11 was an inside job. Bldg 7?? Detonation? When I saw it on tv it looked like TV and a few years later we found out that's what it was, a justification for
endless war and corporate feudalilsm. The most dummied down populace won't look away from their 4G 3D apps to care. Freedom also includes the freedom to eat organic foods, buy supplements and breathe air untainted by chemtrails. This country was founded on the principles of government of, for and by the people, but has been desecrated by the corporate takeover that has turned it into a corporate oligarchy that without warning changes the constitution to support their greed. The
people are being robbed of their constitutional rights. I don't like Muslims and I feel many of the men should be neuters like tom cats but I am an atheist.... LET FREEDOM RING! To be free, we need to respect all. i believ in keeping our country safe for all and i commend to all who risk thier lives for our freedom; 9-11 will always stay remembered in our hearts I lament that our constitution has
been hijacked by people who cite it endlessly and have it say exactly what they want it to say Let us become the 'indivisible' nation in our pledge of allegiance. Honor our fallen heroes by flying your American flag on 9/11. "Enemies Domestic" are taking away more freedoms than "Enemies Foreign." Do not give up our freedoms because of fear. Remember that we are the Home of the Free & the Brave. I call on our President, a Constitutional Law Professor, to restore our Constitution. Otherwise, the terrorists have won. Living in a country where being attacked never crossed our minds, we let our fear lead over our common sense. That's why now more then ever we need to ensure our rights as Americans are protected. REASONABLE AND JUSTIFIABLE MEASURES TO ENSURE HOMELAND SECURITY MEASURES ARE ACCEPTABLE; HOWEVER, THERE IS JUSTIFIABLE CONCERN
THAT ACTIONS ARE BEING TAKEN, AND CERTAIN GROUPS TARGETED, IN WAYS THAT VIOLATE THEIR CIVIL LIBERTIES. THIS MUST STOP. Our leaders have used the Bin Laden attack as an excuse to continue attacking Americans, on all fronts. It must stop. Since 9/11/01, over 6.000 young men and women have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Let's stop the killing NOW! Jody NJ "The greatest deterrent to freedom are men and women of zeal, well-meaning, but
without knowledge or understanding." Former Supreme Court Justice LOUIS BRANDEIS "We the people..." is still the beginning of the Constitution of the United States. I pledge that I will do whatever I can in my power to defend liberties and the constitution and I pledge to support whoever supports the constitution and it's liberties If we give up the Greater America Ideals, then the terrorists have won. If you consider
the many ways we have changed our behavior since 9/11 -- giving up freedoms, submitting to ridiculous security measures -- you have to conclude the terrorists won. Justice denied to one person is denied to all. Let's take away the crap that made this country into one big mess and stand with those who desire freedom. ABOLISH THE PATRIOT ACT COMPLETLY!!!! As a member, I call on all americans to fight for our country
and all its people not just the white christian ones. As a veteran and supporter of liberty I stand with the ACLU in calling for a return to sanity, balance and effective policy. The last ten years have been marked by an immense loss of civil liberties ironically coupled with "preactionary" measures that have eroded American exceptionalism. What should future men in uniform swear an oath to? Every day and in almost every new policy, we lose a part of our national identity,
our uniqueness, our love for humanity and our freedom. Stand and fight! As a Viet Nam veteran, I can share my feelings on returning home from fighting our country's battle abroad, but, I won't for I have matured. It is extremely easy for patriotic feelings to make one feel our Constitution and its rules for freedom do not apply duing times of conflict or disagreement. Then we remember, When a person, any person, loses a right or has their right infringed upon, we all will
suffer. Our Constitution is the foundation our country is built upon. I am proud to carry the only card in America that actually carries out our elected officials oath; To defend the Constitution against all enemies both foreign and domestic. As America returns to medieval fifedoms of lords of wealth protected by moats of blackwater drones and dogs, let's stand together to avoid our perpetual serfdom...thank you ACLU for being there...storming the nuveau riche bastilles will
be much more difficult this time around as fear rises, freedoms start to die As one Proud Vietnam-Era Veteran; I was appalled and ashamed of the Bush/Cheney Administration. However President Obama and CIA Director Leon Panetta tracked down and dispatched a team of Navy Seals who successfully Killed Osama Bin Laden! The Time has come to end the Bush/Cheney Terror War's. As US citizens we should protect and defend the Constitution of the
USA. At 75 I have been a member of ACLU for nearly half a century. It is an association I relish and revere. I count on the organization to protect our cherished freedoms in this time--but what time isn't?--of widespread assault on them. Do not give in to populist pressure from "officials" who say that giving up your rights will make us safer, they are wrong. Giving up your freedoms does not make you safer, nor is it respectful of all the men and women who
sacrifice their lives to protect your freedoms. Fear is the handmaid of terrorism. Getting into the same authoritarian moral ditch as the terrorists is the worst way to remember those who died on 9/11. We honor them best by insisting on our our freedom. Freedom is never free. It comes with great sacrifice. Peace is born where love is worn, but too many people harbor hatred instead of love. Let's remember the victims of 9/11 as great hero's who gave there
lives to better protect our freedoms.No greater gift can one give than one's life for another. Freedom requires bravery. Let us dare to be free. Freedom. Use it or lose it. From Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." America failed that challenge after 9/11, and it's vital to reverse that failure and restore the Bill of Rights. Get a copy of "1984" by Orwell, strike out the title, and write in "2024". That's the only change needed to understand where the U.S. is going - and NOTHING's going to stop the people in control from taking the Constitution down. However tragic, 9/11 provided an opportunity for choices to make Americans proud of what their country stands for. Instead we live in fear and desperation that the freedoms given us by our Constitution have been eroded away in the name of
national security. Shame on us. I call upon Congress to repeal laws that deny freedoms. I call upon the courts to strike down legislation is unconstitutional and to convict those who abuse power. I refuse to live in a land where I am fearful, I live in a land of freedom. I want to live in a nation that we had when I was growing up. I am now 66. I will do everything in my power to uphold the civil liberties of myself
and my fellow Americans. If we do not all do this our country will surely fail. I will vote for anyone who supports this agenda - currently neither of the major parties do. Ideologues do not a democracy make. If the radicals in our country take it over in the name of "Freedom" and security, and take away our liberties, then the terrorists have already won. It is "give me liberty or give me death", not "take my
liberty and make me safer". It's not holy writ but it's the best hope we have for freedom. Just because we were born citizens in the U.S. does't exempt us from continuing to work hard to keep the priviledge strong! Let us always strive to protect our Constitution. It is a living document. If it dies, so dies our nation. Liberty and Justice for All! Let Freedom Ring! My family came to thiscountry
100years ago seeking freedom and I intend to support that desire of my family. My prediction of a firestorm/bloodbath in this country is already years overdue. Keep on living like GODS in DC, on OUR $, while WE barely SURVIVE,..crushing down ever more heavily on the peoples freedom AND pockets....keep it up....A friend of my mothers worked at a feed store in a small arkansas town....she was amazed at how many "typical joe farmers" she heard discussing armed revolution,....WE
are SICK of you MAGGOTS voting yourselves astronomical salaries , benefits, etc. allowing the corporate slime and the few already wealthy stockholders to profit by sending our jobs overseas so that they can get that second coating of platinum for their buttplugs at our expense...ANY animal will bite if mistreated long enough, even the sheep that the american people have turned into. Never give up the fight for our secular Constitution. Nine eleven, put a
scar, on every Americans heart. Anyone with a soul, was crying on that day. I, didn't have to be there, to feel the pain, of losing, because we all lost something on that day, our FREEDOM ! Our Constitution is a living guide that must be treated with great care and respect. Circumvention of it is antithetical to its intention and growth. Our country suffered far more damage at the hands of politicians and "no-bid" contractors; than any terrorist, foreign
or domestic.. Safety without freedom is not safety at all. Stop the unlawful assualt on our basic Constutional rights. "We have met the emeny and they is us." Pogo Stop The Wars the 15th, the 19th and the 24th amendments ought to be cited in voting rights of Arizona The Constitution had been tossed in the sewer long before 9/11, and now we have state approved torture and murder thanks to the usual
Republican criminals. THE DAY WE GUTTED THE CONSTITUTION AND BILL OF RIGHTS, AS A RESPONSE TO THE TERRORISTS. THE TERRORISTS WON. The divisive nature of American politics today is injurious to our freedom and national security. We must be more united, especially in the face of many challenges. The idea of freedom is what makes us. The memory of 9-11 has been used to browbeat us into giving up our freedom The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first. - Thomas Jefferson The U.S. Constitution is our last line of defense. We cannot let it be shredded by right-wing Christian fascists. The United States of America exists because of immigrants! Our strength depends on diversity! This is not
a very positive message but for the first time in my almost 63 years I am afraid of my country. Nobody should have to feel that way in this country. It is not what this country has been striving for the last 235 years. 9/11 was an horrific tragedy and, sorrowfully, our answer has to allow ourselves to become a police state and apparently at war with the rest of the world. True safety equals freedom; without freedom we are not truly safe! War criminals need
to be brought to justice. We do not fear the government. For freedom is an idea. One that no government can stifle with fear or oppression. We live in a dangerous and exciting age. It is a time of both crisis and opportunity. Now is the time to shake off the yoke of disempowering fear and apathy and make a stand for what is right, what the framers of the US Constitution intended to be held as a light of freedom for all the world to follow. We must strive for "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" for all, as we want it for ourselves. What do we need protection from most? Those who would take our freedom. When we become a police state in the name of freedom, and you wonder where it went wrong, remember, the terrorists have already won. Without freedom, life is mere existence. Know the priorities, and work accordingly. We are a Free Country as
long as we stand together against the U.S. Government America isn't America if we spend our lives reacting out of fear. We're better than that. By definition, the goal of terrorism is to effect political and social change through the use of fear. The erosion of our liberties as a result of 9/11 is a victory for those who wished to harm us. Further, it is a grievous insult to the lives and memories of the 9/11 victims that we allow their deaths to be
used as an instrument of destruction for their homeland. Our own government has played into the very hands that attacked us on 9/11 by the dismantling of our Constitution... something no bombs or murders could have accomplished without the complicity of Americans in positions of authority, concerned ONLY about their own political careers and personal power. We are America and we are adults:*) We must stand fast against the fear mongers
that would subvert the constitution in the name of protecting Americans It frightens and angers me that, ten years after 9/11 and with the erosion of our civil liberties so painfully obvious, the Left is sticking its head in the sand rather than discussing what to do about the erosion of those liberties. Having a Democratic president has not wiped away the abuses, and it's ridiculous to pretend that everything's okay now. Restore out Constitutional
freedoms and rights Immediately. It is the unique vehicle of democracy by which our country stands above all others. Since 9/11, that vehicle has been "running on empty" thanks to the transgressions of both the Bush and Obama administration. Constitutional Restoration NOW !!! Speech & Truth Keep them Free & not subject to Fear The Constitution is that on which our rights and freedoms are founded. It is sacrosanct. Jingoism and
warmongering;fanning
flames of fear to better control the herd so that more money can be drained into the pockets of the ultra rich and powerful is inhumane and inhuman. Drop all fear and fly into the future. Our greatest power as a United Nation is our Freedom. This is what causes the Billions of foreigners to come to America each year. That human desire to earn a living, and raise a family as a free inddividual. The desire to protect our cherished Freedom, is also our Greatest Defense. The
Bill of Rights and the Constitution, is our Guarantee of that Freedom. Freedom, you don't know what you got til it's gone. Get it back. Honesty is our best defense; freedom comes with the responsibility to respect others. For a country to truly be free, and a people to be patriotic, people must be allowed the right to disagree... Freedom from government intrusion should reign supreme. the
constitution guarantee us all the liberties we have, police and prosecutors will take away those rights Freedom does not just entail a vigilance over government, it also requires vigilance over private industry, which has evolved to become the unofficial custodian of our private information. Our expression of free speech on the internet is now used to fire good workers and to prevent the hire of good ones. Our movement around cities is recorded digitally as is our health
information, our purchases, our web surfing habits and private industry is all too willing to share with the information they collect with other entities--including the government. Are we free if credit bureaus can torpedo our housing applications, restrict our admittance into hospitals, prevent us from getting jobs and holding our right to start over hostage? While our eyes are all on government, corporations are eroding the freedoms we hold dear. Freedom of Speech Rocks
(Sometimes)... I believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to the death your right to say it. We have lost this message in this country. I'm in the Army stationed in Germany. I recently returned home
from Afghanistan with the 2 SCR. While I was over there fighting to preserve the American way of life it gave me great comfort knowing the real battleground was going on back in the States. While everyone else seems concerned with doing anything possible to maintain, you guys at the ACLU are spearheading the battle to defend, improve, and restore. My battle buddies and I applaud you. We try to remain as politically neutral as possible. Don't ever think we forgot about our oath of enlistment to
the US Constitution. Live free..Live strong..Believe ! Repeal the Patriot Act!! This is why I'm a member of the ACLU. To protect our freedoms and rights. United we stand divided we fall We have lost too much of our freedom in response to the attacks. Until we reverse this, the terrorists are winning. We honor the memory of those who died by standing up for the
rights of the living. We need to get back those freedoms taken from us in the name of the "War on Terrorism". We need to keep fighting terrorism and radical Islam and all of the hatred being spewed out by Arab and non Arab alike. This has got to end and the one that can end it all is the GREAT YAHWEH the most loving GOD of the universe. We need to turn to THE MOST HOLY TRINITY as the one TRUE GOD and accept HIM as our GOD just as Abraham and the
ancient Israelites did those many centuries ago. He alone can give us the peace we seek and the justice and freedom in this world that we seek and want to happen Yahweh is the one true LIVING GOD .Let us all ask HIM and HIm alone for peace!! We need to keep fighting terrorism and radical Islam and all of the hatred being spewed out by Arab and non Arab alike. This has got to end and the one that can end it all is the GREAT YAHWEH the most loving GOD of the universe. We need
to turn to THE MOST HOLY TRINITY as the one TRUE GOD and accept HIM as our GOD just as Abraham and the ancient Israelites did those many centuries ago. He alone can give us the peace we seek and the justice and freedom in this world that we seek and want to happen Yahweh is the one true LIVING GOD .Let us all ask HIM and HIm alone for peace!! when did we close our eyes and have such a rightwing supreme court that won't stand up for the real americans . It is important that America fights for the Civil Liberties in the USA. Here in Ireland America is seen as a model of Democracy. My thoughts are with the victims of 9/11. But also with the Innocent victims of the backlash. I pledge to continue taking a stand for freedom. It is always important to uphold the constitution as our country would not exist without it. However, we need it more than ever now that our rights are under attack from
so many sides. Let's not forget that defending our rights is just as important as protecting us. We are stronger than fear. We are better than those who inflict it. We can only truly succeed via freedom. Anyone or anything that limits freedom destroys the very principles that our nation and this world are founded. We must all strive to protect the universal laws of life. Freedom being one of those laws. It
was indeed a bad day. But one to remmber in our hearts as will to remmeber those who die. But it also has made us strong as a nation. To be strong for other that can not be strong. We are to look ahead to the furtuer and make it better for the generation that is coming. Our Constitution is best realized in times of crisis. If we don't defend our freedoms and civil rights, we will lose them I'm tired of being afraid of my own
government. We still have a long way to go, but if everyone who still believes in the USA participates in keeping democracy alive, it's possible I am an American Muslim. The Constitution is precious to me. My ancestors fought in the American Revolution. Muslims & Islam are not the enemy. Eradication of civil rights is the enemy. IF YOU TAKE AWAY THE FREEDOM OF THE UNITED STATES YOU TAKE THE SKIN OFF THE PEOPLE LEAVING US ALL
LIFELESS. Despite the tragedy of 9/11, disporportionate fear is still used to prompt us to give up liberty for security. When I lock my door at night, it is not now, nor was it ever against international terrorists. We need to regain rationality and perspective, and restore our civil liberties. It's rapidly becoming too late to rescue our Democracy and our fredom. The US Supreme Court recognized that even during the civil war that
constitutional rights persisted and could not be abridged (Lincoln assassination); thus those rights should still prevail (civil trial before peers, free speech, privacy, etc.) even in the aftermath of terrorist attacks (far less damage and loss of life than civil war and often not treasonous). We cannot submit to the fear-mongers. We must stand strong and proud of our country. We need to focus on our friends and neighbors more and our enemies much
less. We need each other. We the people can live free only when our rights as citizens are respected and upheld for the benefit of all. When the freedoms and guarantees that we've fought for as a nation are taken away, we no longer have a nation. In honor of those who died and were injured on 9/11 lets fight fear and irrationality and defend those rights and guarantees that define the best of our nation. We tend to forget the
values of the Constitution and protecting all liberties. It is wrong to discriminate which liberties are being protected and other ignored. We need to stand together for what Freedom and Freedom is priceless. Our law is our protection. Who could say that they trust either side of the aisle more than our Founding Fathers? The governing policy as created in the Constitution is well reasoned and protects our security and our civil liberties. Why do we need to keep modifying
it? Who do you trust? Our Founding Fathers or any recent or current regime? United we Stand Divided we fall. Everyone say prayers that God will keep us all safe from these evil people that want to kill us and destroy us. Using the 911 attacks as as excuse to turn our country into a fascist police-state, is far worse than anything any terrorist could have done. Without freedom and justice we are prisoners and slaves to the wealthy. Free
our elections, now. I am disgusted at how our government has shredded the constitution and our civil liberties because of 9/11. It is a disgrace. I hope for the return of the USA Iwas born into-instead of the Bush-league semi-fascist police state we are now forced to endure. Our participation in the 2012 election system (voting) may be our last chance to save our democracy. Yeah ACLU. Peace with Freedom from Fear.
Mahalo.l America must and can stand united and free, above bipartisan issues and cheap-shots. We are bigger and better than the small minds that seek to profit from our collective loss. America; land of the brave and home to the free. We have to stop being afraid to tell the truth; that 9-11 was used as an opportunity by the Fascists in this country to take us over, one cut, one policy, at a time. Do not let fear keep us
from our civil liberties. Protection is one thing but one day we'll lose thst as well. Fight back now! If freedom dies, so does the United States that we know. The more we move away from our Constitutional rights, the closer the terrorists come to ultimately winning. There are legitimite threats to our democracry. It starts with the amount of money spent not toward our welfare but towards warfare. This sickness has to stop. There is nothing to fear but fear itself.... famous quote very relevant today We cannot allow the terrible events of September 11, 2001 to change us as a people -- we need to preserve our commitment to minority rights, to disavowing heinous practices like torture, to standing for religious liberty for all. I don't believe that anyone who died on that day would want this nation to sell its soul for the sake of revenge. I believe America can be
both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. Stop unnecessary profiling in a name of security. "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." -- Benjamin Franklin Norway understands the correct approach to terrorism--more
democracy. Not less. Our country and its citizens may have gone through times of hardship in the past, and I'm sure will in the future. The bottom line is that if our country must fight an enemy such as "terrrorism", why create more terror in the hearts of our citizens by disabling our Constitutional rights of privacy along with the encouragement to not trust our neighbors. This will only create more fear and division between our fellow citizens. Remember two great quotes.
"United We Stand. Divided we fall." and "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself". The "Patriot Act" will go down as America's most shameful and freedom-stripping law ever passed. The side-effects of cure should not be worse than the disease itself. ...freedom involves freely offered and accepted trust that rights extended even to those with whom we may disagree can linked to nonviolence allow us as a society within the
societies of the world to transcend....in peace.... We must never take our freedom or our rights for granted. We must stay vigilant in protecting our civil liberties. People around world herd like sheep. We become accustom living like sheep. If you ignore human right violation happening other side of the world, or you are silence unfair treatment to your next-door neighbor, you will be paying the price eventually. And you will be on your own when you need
help. What ever you plan, that what you are going to harvest. Freedom and security are not mutually exclusive...recall atrocities in USSR, Red China, Nazi Germany, Khmer Rouge, South American Juntas, KKK, all in the name of security. I am deeply disappointed and ashamed how our nation responded to the tragic events of 9/11 by subverting our civil liberties guaranteed in our Constitution. We are no longer the Land of the Free. I won't
let fear rule me. It's really quite simple. Every time we limit our own freedoms for the sake of "security," the terrorists win. Every time our behavior contradicts who we say we are and what we claim we believe, the terrorists win. The terrorists know that they don't have to conquer us. All they have to do is scare us into conquering ourselves--but Americans don't scare easily. We know protecting our freedoms is our strength. Stop the endless wars!
We are strongest and at our best when we remember that we are the " United " States of America and what's good for the "least of these" is what's good for all of us. May God bless America! Thank you for helping keep us aware of the inroads on the liberties that made our America AMERICA . Thank you for giving us another way to make our beliefs known and practiced. The biggest disappointment is that the current adminstarion has done
precious little to restore that which has been lost. Our country has been heading down a treacherous path and I see little hope on the horizon for reversing the political and economic injustices of the past decade.I hope I'm wrong, but... Put God back in this country! This country was founded in God and it needs to get God back in to America today to make it the great country it once was! In God We Trust! I want my children and grandchildren to live in
the land of the free home of the brave. Not the land of fear and home of the prejudice.... There appears to be no distinction between the parties, anymore, merely a desire by politicians to continue giving themselves and other rich people and entities assistance, at the expense of the people. The rich-poor gap, lack of upward mobility in this country, and consistent cutting of social service programs, while completely eroding the "middle class," is reprehensible. Watching Bush-Cheney destroy our rights and end American values must be corrected. This country was not founded on fear, but on the inherent rights of all people. I will not succumb to the tyranny of power through fear. The Constitution was meant not only for the easy days, but for the hard days, too. 9-11 tested a fragile democracy. the US failed to live up to the test--to protect and promote democratic ideals, yes, even
in the face of adversity. 10 years on, the US is more divided, more angry and less united than ever before.... America stands for freedom and liberty. Don't ignore the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. If we sacrifice our civil liberties, we will have lost what has made America great and the terrorists will have won. My flying days were taken from me by the TSA/Homeland Security just because I am physically disabled and
need respect for privacy of body. Please, bring back our freedom and feelings of being trusted in public places. Since God has bestowed us with free will, and does not spy on us continually and in increasing tortuous ways...nor should we spy on each other when not warranted. Losing our Civil Liberties has inaugurated a dark time for all the world, as they looked to us for Light and Freedom and many came here braving great odds to obtain this
freedom. I believe that the light in each and every one of us who value Freedom, Truth, and Justice will eventually lead us back to Liberty. The Constitution has kept us safe and free for well over 200 years, we must not allow a privileged few to dismantle its structural integrity at the expense of the majority. There is only love and fear. You can count on me. Political RESPECT between all people can
keep our great country FREE Defending Americans means making sure our government must obey by it's own laws and respect the rights of all citizens, and people worldwide..This means an end to worldwide wars, unconstitutional surveillance of Americans, and racist policies. We can not allow our government to target peaceful citizens who are involved in community activism. If we want freedom, we must demand freedom for everyone to live in peace. May
we never compromise our values in the name of security! I am an animal rights activist, & I am afraid of them taking away our voice for the animals. The A.E.T.A. bill is unconstitutional but yet the corrupt politicians slipped in under the back door If we were attacked for our freedoms, then surrendering any of them because of the attack only serves their purpose not ours. Rescind the Patriotic Act. Fear destroys freedom!!
That was a very sad day 10 years ago. I bless each and every one of those men and women who lost their lives in that horrible terrorist attack. The terrorists may have knocked us down a peg or two, but we are not defeated by a long shot. We will not be beaten. We as Americans have a responsibility to protect our freedom and unalienable and civil rights. We have a clear and present danger of our liberty being taken away. Time to take a stand! We cannot change the tragic loss of so many lives on 9/11. But we must have the courage to take back our freedoms lost in the aftermath. I am deeply saddened that a day which will live in horror forever ingrained in our minds and souls has become exploited, a means to support mass murder of innocent civilians and to have our basic freedoms dismissed and taken from us. Kill the Patriot Act. Times change, but civil liberties will
always be valued over security. We can not give up our rights in the name of "national security"... Our freedom is the envy of the world. That is our blessing and let it not be our curse. To live in fear is to die. Our nation is the light of the world. Let us not forget our rights while protecting our citizens. Undo the damage to our liberties done by the last administration. Giving up our rights
in the name of fighting terrorisim is not the answer to our challenges. I believe the wars on drugs and on terror, as well as the death penalty, are tools to subvert the Constitution. They fly in the face of Dwight Eisenhower's wise words: "Any who act as if freedom's defenses are to be found in suppression and suspicion and fear confess a doctrine that is alien to America." Thanks ACLU for speaking up when Bush & Cheney wanted to abrogate our cherished
rights and freedoms. All of you at ACLU are my HEROES! The Arab spring PROVES our government was dead wrong about Muslims. There are few things worse than revenge on a personal and a national level. For the past ten years we have been perpetuate a grim regime of pay--back on innocent people who had absolutely nothing to do with the tragic events of 9/11. Wwe ghave got to stop it and stop it now if we expect to have any moral standing in the world. I can't
figure out what has happened in this country that we are so afraid. Life can not be lived that way and a nation's leaders should not play on the fears of their citizens We all, members of the ACLU must continue to raise our voices in the lonely cry for freedom or else we are without a shred of integrity in this missed-up time that we live in. As technology makes abuses to our privacy all to easy, it is important to protect our freedoms from fear mongers who use that fear to control the people. yy Kenneth - IL Depth of understanding is critical. Think paragraphs rather than sentences. The whole thing! yy Kenneth - MI Freedom is not a destination. It is a continuous stuggle against corrupted powers. And we have lost much since 911. yy Kenneth - WA I stand with those who have called for the tenth anniversary of 9/11 to be The End of Fear. After 9/11 people were so filled with fear that we allowed the Bush administration to erode our freedoms under the guise of protecting us. We are slightly less safe and dramatically less free. Let today commence an end to fear and a return to our greatest value of freedom for all. If we truly apply this value to all people's of the world, we will all truly be safe with peace, justice and freedom for all. Amen. yy Kenny - KY We must stop the march toward totalitarianism in our country. We must not be afraid to fight for our rights. yy Kent - CA I will believe until the day I leave this Earth, the United States was directly involved in the planning and execution of the 9/11 attacks. It's a shame we have to teach our children and future generations lies to justify securing petroleum by means of brute military force. yy KERRY - TX As we commemerate the 10th anniversary of that treadful day, let us not forget what our forfathers set forth as a blueprint for us to follow. We can't let this one act of violence, and others like it, to change what we know true freedom to be. We know what it is, and what it isn't. yy Kevin - OH God bless America yy Kevin - CA IF WE DON'T FIGHT FOR IT IT WILL BE GONE! yy Kevin - NY If we let fear dictate policies and give up our freedom for a false sense of security, then the terrorists win yy Kevin - NY Keep the constitution strong and in mind when making laws that shape the future of the internet. Our Constitutional freedoms are all that protect us from abuse of power. The
events of September 11, 2001 gave most Americans a cause to be proud: we came together in the face of a great threat and terrible tragedy to help and protect each other. Today, we are facing an even greater threat and an even more terrible threat than we could have imagined on that painful day. Ten years ago, we told the greatest threat we had ever faced that we would not be cowed into having our freedom curtailed by their actions. Today, we must tell a new threat to our freedom the same thing.
Today, we face politicians who would rather stand by their party's more extreme members than help those who are suffering. Today, we face politicians who would rather tell us we are safe than tell us we are free. Today, we face politicians who would rather use a terrible event to threaten us with what could happen to us than use that terrible event to show us what we can do to help each other. Ten years ago, many people died. Shortly after that, our freedom began to die. Until our freedom is
completely dead, we must and will fight for our freedom from tyranny; both foreign and domestic. United we stand, for the people, by the people! Justice, freedom, and equality for all under the law should never, ever yield to fear, hatred, and bigotry. Our Founding Fathers founded our nation on the idea that my ancesters were 3/5 human and used them to build this nation without compensation, at the cost of many, many of their lives.
I'm glad to see that we are now a nation of equality, strength and freedom. God bless America! Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, freedom to peacefully assemble are some of the rights I treasure. Over the past ten years we have witnessed a lot of change in America. Regrettably, our constitutional rights are gradually sliced apart. We as Americans must stand strong, uphold our constitutional rights, and ensure that the measures
for safeguarding this once great nation maintain a level of dignity and honor. We were and still are moved, and angry about the tragedy of 9-11. With the ten year anniversary of 9-11 and terrorist threats at our door, we must take necessary steps to ensure that history does not repeat itself. After a very expensive ongoing war and the economical crisis we are currently in, every move we make should collaborate strategies with consideration to all of the aforementioned. This is not about politics
as much as politicians would love to maintain. This is about "We The People..." Thank you for taking this stand for freedom and upholding the Constitution. Yes, I have been fighting for 7 years to be heard about the sex offender laws and retroactivity of laws that is applied to them. My son was 17 years old when he was charged with sex crimes while dating his girlfriend. These laws HAVE GOT TO STOP! Too many people are being locked up and added new laws to their
sentences. The registry is a TOTAL violation of our Constitution! These people have no way to work, live with their families or find housing. They can not be buried in some cemeteries, get unemployment benefits or go to social events after incarceration like other felons. Please help fight for the rights of ALL people! Thank you again! One of my hopes when i voted for Obama was that he wuld reinstate the Bill of Rights. I an sorely disappointed. Never
surrender your rights, no matter what. Whatever happened to "the land of the free and the home of the brave"??? When a President who has sworn to uphold the Constitution plays on the fears of Congress and American citizens to take advantage of a tragic situation to tread on civil liberties it is time for the people to use their voices in protest and demand that the promise of freedom be kept intact. We should all solemnly do
swear to shine the light of truth upon injustice. Only by taking responsibility for our own security can we guarantee our own freedom. I stand for civil liberties. The cost of freedom can never be freedom itself. Safety does not lie in a police state. The illusion of safety is no excuse to remove the rights and privacies of our people. i stand with
the aclu on this isue At times like 9/11 it is too easy for government to stampede the people into believing anything goes. At the same time it is vital we be strong in our determination to protect the people from themselves by insisting on the rule of law and protection of rights. Protecting constitutional rights is the only road to freedom. I don't think eroding civil rights every time a politician screeches "national security!" is
Constitutional. The tragedy of 9/11 should be remembered but not glorified, especially considering how many more innocent people have died in the unjustifiable US wars since! Take back our freedoms, act with diplomacy, not violence and invest in human beings not corporatized government! I was in the pentagon at the time and it was not only the day I survived it was the day that all of America came together in and stood side by side. RADM Lara, U.S Naval
Special Forces. I swore to defend this country againast all enemies,foriegn and domestic. I find this congress and president to be ENEMIES OF THE CONSTITUTION. If we allow our rights to be taken away in the name of patriotism, our enemies have won. I'm tired of government lies. Like WMDs in Iraq, and Iran Contra. I'm tired of people who think the law doesn't apply to them- warrantless wire taping......Some of our government officials
should be in jail. Our freedoms are guaranteed by the Constitution, not the flag, not the politicians, to sacrifice our rights to be free from terror, is to enslave us all. Sadly, the crimes of Sept 11 have only changed how we now live in fear. The founding fathers would be ashamed of what thgis country has become, with our freedoms eroding daily. We need to get back to a constitutional form of government, not the socialist
boondoggle we have. We can't be free if our only means is by lliving in fear and terrorizing others, taking away their freedom. We must now, more so that perhaps ever, recommit ourselves to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Pity The Nation (2007) (After Khalil Gibran) Pity the nation whose people are sheep And whose shepherds mislead them Pity the nation whose leaders are liars Whose sages are silenced And Whose bigots haunt
the airwaves Pity the nation that raises not its voice Except to praise the conquerers And acclaim the bully as hero And aims to rule the world By force and by torture Pity the nation that knows No other language than its own And no other culture but its own Pity the nation whose breath is money And sleeps the sleep of the too well fed Pity the nation Oh pity the people Who allow their rights to erode And their freedoms to be washed away MY COUNTRY, TEARS OF THEE SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY! -Lawrence
Ferlinghetti As we mourn the loss of life sustained on Sept. 11, 2001, let us all unite to fight the loss of freedom so many have endured in the past ten years. We must regain those lost freedoms and fight to never lose them again! Every American that cares about civil liberties ought to be a member of the ACLU. I now understand that the powers that be want us fearful and divided. I refuse to allow that poisoned planning to rule my
life, or our country. I refuse to live in a world where politics overrule common fence. And fear rules our lives. If we continue to let fear drive our actions we are heading off the cliff If we take away civil liberties in the name of winning this fight, we will soon lose sight of what we were fighting and striving for in the first place. It is easy to defend the constitution when everything is going well and
people are allowed free exercise of their rights. But in times like these when the Republicans are trying to infringe on voting rights, keep gay and lesbian citizens from marrying and trying to silence dissent, we have to be very vigilant and protect our rights. Of what use is security without freedom? Fear is a prison I refuse to live in. Our Constitution demands that we exemplify our highest ideals of freedom and justice and it is weakened when we give
in to fear and hate. Our constitution is not conditional. To have it eroded, nay, destroyed, due to one horrific day is unconscionable. That opportunists took advantage of a tragedy to forward their own agendas is nothing new. Thanks to the ACLU, neither is standing up to the opportunists. The evils that we witnessed on September 11th are horrific. However, using those events as an excuse to decimate our rights as citizens is also
horrific, and speaks volumes about out supposedly evolving race. The US Constitution and the Bill of Rights have been cynically subverted. It is past time for those who care to do whatever they can to regain these rights. The USA is not immune from the consequences of curtailing civil rights. A little bit here, a little bit there, can transform a nation's people from free and prosperous to submissive and poor. See Iran's and Zimbabwe's recent histories
for examples of this. It could happen to us too! Torture is NOT an American Value We, the people, not corporations!!!! American can do better. We can not let fear dictate our sensibilities, Extremism won a battle every time we sacrificed a freedom for the illusion of security. It will win the war if we ever stop fighting to regain those freedoms. We are supposed to
be above the way we have been acting. We will never forget and we will never stop fighting for the rights granted to us by our Constitution! It will be catastrophic if the tragedy of 911, and the loss of so many valued American lives is used to promote anti-American and unconstitutional policies and programs. Let us push forth for freedom and fraternity. Let us be happy and prosperous. Let us live better lives than we ever
could have imagined, in total love for our Earth, our Human Family, and our spirit. those dying over thre are also human beigns like you .stop killing others to pay some here We all have a claim for rights in our nation, we must never forget, we are Americans, just like the 300 million plus Americans in our nation, stand tall and be proud for the Constitution that protects us. We came together as a country on 9/11 but we
haven't stayed united. This Anniversary we should all re-commit to being Americans first and Democrats or Republicans second. Freedom is living. Fear kills us each day we are fearful. I no longer live in the free America I did before 9/11; I live in an ever-growing police state based on fear and injustice. i'VE BEEN DEFENDING THE CONSTITUTION FOR AT LEAST 73 OF MY 91 YEARS. IT IS THOSE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO NEED REMINDING ON A DAY BY
DAY BASIS THAT THEY VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTION MORE THAN THEY DEFEND IT AND THEY THEREBY DISGRACE IT ALONG WITH THE FOUNDING FATHERS WHOUGHT BROUGHT IT FORTH. safe AND free We continue to support our men and women in the Armed Forces in there duty to protect this great nation. My husband is a Viet Nam Veteran and the support that these vets did not get is deplorable, I have always supported our service personelle and our veterans and whole heartedly say thank
you ALL peoples are created equal. It deeply saddens me that because of what happened 10 years ago, 9/11, so many Americans hate Muslims and think that all Muslims are terrorists. 9/11 was a tragedy, but it has devolved into an an excuse for a loss of personal freedom, spying by the government on its own citizens, and worst of all 2 wars that have cost too many lives, our moral position in the world and helped create the greatest debt in history.
We do the memories of those who died a profound disservice by our continued insistance that any act done in the name of those victims serves a rightous cause. It is time to put 9/11, as cause for an ill concieved crusade, behind us and attempt to return to the economic stability, moral integrity and the fredoms that have been corrupted in the name of the victims of the 9/11 attacks. U.S.A If fear rules, freedom dies. The more we act
like the enemy the more we are the enemy. And the enemy has no civil rights. I AM TIRED OF BEING TREATED LIKE A CRIMINAL WHEN I GO TO THE AIRPORT. I WANT MY 4TH AMENDMENT RIGHTS AND ALL ,Y RIGHTS RESTORED I pledge to continue taking a stand for freedom. Sick people do sick things but we can't allow our Civil Liberties to become infected. I have never forgotten that day on 9/11/2001. I was getting dressed for
work when I saw the 1st plane hit the building, then the 2nd plane hit the 2nd building and I was in shock. I know we were under attack. We have been safer thanks to President Obama catching Bin Laden. New York has become closer and stronger since 9/11/2001. they are resilient. I support upholding the values and laws of the Constitution and reject changing to limit the rights and freedom of any one. What we lost on 9/11 was our freedom and our
democracy. I guess Osama won after all. I believe that this is an important time to mourn the terrible losses of September 11, but also to recognize that laws that allow racial and religious profiling, as well as other laws that take away our freedom, are something that we refuse to live with. Americans deserve a better future after all of the pain they have been through this decade Let civil liberties never again be threatened by false motives under the
guise of national security! And while we're at it, Islamophobia is just not cool. The Constitution should not be perverted by machination of men. "Give me Liberty, or give me Death!" "To forget them would be rude" This is a quote by my son who was on EMT standby on the 1st anniversary - he died 1 week later. Become the change you wish to see -Ghandi ALL the CIVILITIES that the Constitution of
the U.S. of America PROMISED __EVERY__ citizen of the U.S. MUST be observed, or this country's name on the paper it's printed on is not worth ANYthing to ANYone. We must be UNITED in FREE-dom...UNITY in PLURALITY ! ! NO one enjoys being tromped-on...it's either "All for one, and one for ALL," or "NOthing-of-value-at-all" . Horse / Common Sense KNOWS the correct way to conduct interpersonal relationships.. America has morphed into a creepy entity called "the Homeland." I want
my country back from the militant corporatists, the crazed tenthers and the increasingly scary "values" politicians. 911 may be shrouded in secrecy but the present state of our Union is not and must be challenged vigorously - as if our lives depended on it - as a matter of fact they do. We need to rid ourselves of secret prisons, wiretapping innocents, drone wars, Citizens United, extra-judicial assassinations, illegal covert war making, tax breaks for the uber-wealthy and the toxic poisoning of
our planet. I hope we make it. Fear and Freedom are incompatible. The more fearful we become, the less free we are. Fear is Fascism's foil. Freedom is not free and should never be taken for granted. It takes determination and passion to protect it. Freedom isn't free. we all need to stand up for ourselves and take part in keeping America free. We all need to support the best country in the world. It is
particularly distrubing that too many of us wrongly beieve that, in Islam, there is a danger to our way of life. We must permit freedom of belief and of speech as fundamental to our society. it is true that we have protect our loves, but not at the expense of the human right and freedom of minorities Americans or residents. We must all be free or none of us is free. We must not compromise our fundamental constitutional freedoms by
giving in to fear. I feel sad and ashame that temporary measures that were put into effect are now institutions (TSA, Homeland Securtiy) and the Bill of Rights is ignored by many agency policies. The terrorist got what they wanted a less free United States as we abandoned Keystones of our way of life. Words on a piece of paper are all that stands between the American people and a dictatorship. If we choose fear, the terrorists have already won. Diluting our freedoms in response to fear means that the liberty we stand for is only available when there is no threat. Responding to threats by standing firm and holding very fast to our beliefs will make us the example we hope to be. "The greatest thing we have to fear is fear itself"..."Blame is the surest way to stay stuck in a problem" Let us look forward, not back. Every time you give away some of your personal liberties in exchange for
"safety" you give up a portion or your soul. I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees safely shackeld I pledge to try to help maintain and recapture the freedom and rights that our forefathers had intended upon forming this country. If we continue to allow the erosion of our civil liberties in the interests of "safety from terrorism"...then the terrorists have won. No one is free as long as one person is enslaved. We do not need to sacrifice who we are as a country in order to defend our country. "Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear." - Thomas Jefferson Our civil liberties ought not to be sacrificed in the name of security. PERSONALLY I NOT ONLY REMEMBER THE ONES LOST AND SOME WERE DEAR FREINDS, BUT THE RIGHTS OF ALL
AMERICANS THAT HAVE ALSO BEEN LOST DUE TO FEAR MONGERS RUNNING OUR SO CALLED GOVERMENT. THEY MAKE A MOCKERY OUT OF OUR PAIN TO JUSTIFY THEMSELVES. HAVEN'T WE LOST ENOUGH? Only cowards use fear. Support better and strengthen bargaining rights. Bring more unions to Florida; we really need them. The Constitution is the basis of our freedom in the United States. Nothing is more important than interpreting it correctly and upholding its true
meaning. Schools should be more diligent in teaching the Constitution and instilling in our students how important their understanding it and their defending it really are. 9/11 was a tragedy,but life goes on and this country needs to move forward.The only fear I have is that the GOP will regain the whitehouse. I will fight Big Brother to the best of my ability. As you always say Freedom can't protect itself. Nothing is worth
sacrificing freedom for not even fear. We have nothing to fear but, fear it's self! The Constitution should be upheld even in times of crisis. And some of the security measures for flying are dangerous (scanners) and I feel excessive and an infringement on personal rights. We must defend our country against terrorism without sacrificing the rights of our own citizens. We must also uphold the law of the constitution. It is important now to defend not only
free speech but also the separation of church and state. Churchill said it best- The only thing we should have to fear is fear itself. Lets remember that this was said at a time when the world was seemingly crumbling around us. Lets not allow fear to rule over reason. I recommit to all the principles of freedom as embodied by the ACLU. Thank you for having our backs. The Founding Fathers have been rolling in their graves since
the Patriot Act was created. They need to know that the Constitution is safe from being chipped away at -- so they can go back to sleep. God bless America forever! I believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. Long live human rights & US Constitution.
FREEDOM IS EVERYTHING I understand the need for surveilance, but, not unlimited or in many cases without court orders. It is difficult to keep a balance between, but we MUST. A caged lion is perhaps safe and cared for. But it is better to one who is free and able to roam and take some chances. I want my Grandchildren to grow up in the America. I once knew. Land of the Free & Home of the Brave. I want to
continue to live in the country with an open mind. A country where the lawmakers we elect listen to our opinion and do their job representing us. I do not want to live in fear. I do not want to couch my disagreement in careful language. We must continue to remain the land of the free. When i heard the audience cheer about Rick Perry's brutal and ignorant execution record. it reminded me of what we are fighting against. This country was founded on justice and freedom from
tyrants. We obviously still have plenty of work to do. I believe we must free our minds from ingornance which binds us to past and present opressions; only then wil we realize compassion for all races and religions, and begin to heal our fragile society. Let us use this memory to lessen the acts of violence in the world, not increase them. I believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by
race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. Protecting the Constitution and the Rule of Law are mainstream values. Secrets within secrets has become our National government. Never has "double speak" been so clearly on display outside the pages of a book. America was founded on the principle of freedom for all. Let us assure that the struggles of our
forefathers and our military citizens have not been in vain. Our government must act with integrity and accountability. We must ensure that we treat all people with respect. We must not allow ourselves to let fear rule all of our actions. i am currently in a battle defending my rights to practice my religion. the city of phoenix has come up against the WRONG goddess! How wonderful and timely to receive Anthony's email. As a first
generation Sikh immigrant who witnessed the first post 9-11 murder of an innocent Sikh American with shock, horror and fear that we would repeat what was done to Japanese Americans during WWII, I am grateful EVERY DAY for the ACLU. The unprecedented violations that began under the Bush Administration, and many that continue under the Obama Administration, would largely go unchecked and unchallenged, but for the ACLU. Attacks on the immigrant community would largely go unchecked and unchallenged,
but for the ACLU. The assault on women's reproductive rights (and in some corners on women's equality) would largely go unchecked and unchallenged, but for the ACLU. Discrimination against persons of color, the LGBT community, the disabled, and poor people would largely go unchecked and unchallenged, but for the ACLU. The continued (ridicuolous and misplaced) "fight" against crime and war on drugs (i.e. war on people of color) would largely go unchecked and unchallenged, but for the ACLU. The
right to speech and assembly (even by those hated among us on the far right or far left) would be abridged, but for the ACLU. 9-11 is a time to mourn those who were lost but more importantly to revere those who fight every day, in every party of this great land, to protect our Constitution. Once again, I will be thanking the ACLU. We have lost our freedom every single day for the past 10 years. Like the act says, the USA PATs RIOTs on the back wherever they happen.
I am support the freedom of our constitution. Will not silently stand by and see our constitutional rights compromised by fullish political rhetoric and abandonment by the many due to simply being afraid and narrow minded. A principle abandoned in a difficult moment wasn't a principle to begin with. liberty and freedom do not need to be sacrificed for security. Thank you men and women who
serve our country to protect the freedoms deemed to us by our Constitution. God bless you! Upholding the values of our democracy is the best way we can honor the 9/11 victims. We won't forget them when we make sure that this country is the one in which they wanted to live. Let's ring out the bell of fear and ring in the bell of freedom! And, let's keep that bell ringing forever! Marcy-MT Franklin was on the right track.
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain only temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." I'd replace "deserve" to "will obtain." Disregarding the Constiturion does more harm than terrorists ever can I refuse to surrender my freedom age: 90 I wish for our world that we can accept our differences without fear, hate, or revenge. We are all called to nonviolently interact with the world and stand up for
freedoms. Maybe its time to change to a different system entirely. Mr. Romero has re-energized the ACLU. I do pledge to continue to support the ACLU with a monthly contribution. The true test of character is how you keep your values when under stress. No intelligent person ever said freedom was easy. Sometimes it is even harder to maintain freedom when things are easy - it can quietly slip away. Innocent
Afghans and Iraqis bombed and maimed in retaliation are also victims of 9/11. Don't forget them. Shortly after 9/11 I stood in a laundry in San Francisco discussing George Bush's decision to go to war without meeting first with the United Nations. Ignoring the agreements this country has made with the rest of the world followed by ignoring laws as they were passed with a note on the bottom instead of vetoing them...has set a horrible example for our country and the
world. We need to repair those violation to recover from our war begun against ourselves. I would always make sure that I will treat and respect my neighbor, the same way I would like others to treat and respect me. My deepest and sincere hope for America after the attacks of 9/11 is that it will keep growing filled with prosperity, justice, freedom for all and love/admiration for its constitution. Freedom does not mean curtiling liberty in the name
of "patriotism". A truly free society givers everyone a chance at the dream and a hand up when they need it. Our country is in crisis. We are now defending our constitution and the right if affords us from the very people that have been elected to Congress, and their distorted view of a constitutional government. Fear won't honor the lost. We must organize. George Bush and everyone involved in torture needs to be brought to
justice. We have inflicted countless 911's in revenge to other countries. The USA's wars are the biggest terrors in the world. Safety is important, but our freedom comes first. I believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. Please continue to make
this country a true democracy and the land of the free. We can never be free if our civil liberties are taken from us. The American people are not the enemy. We must never sacrifice our Civil Liberties for the perception of safety. Those who do, will ultimately have neither. Let us not treat Muslims the way that Nazi Germany treated Jews! Let us end the hatred and come together! Safety is worth nothing if
it comes at the expense of our freedom and our values. Having lived for years in a country where censorship is commonly practiced and where "social harmony" is valued over individual rights, I have returned to the United States more than ever committed to upholding our Constitution. What an amazing document! It's time to move on without fear and continued freedom! Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a
little security will deserve neither and lose both. Decision should not be made as a result of a irrational fears Every day we see items in the news that inspire gut reactions of outrage. The trouble is that we too often do not take the time to think about news and by thinking I mean critical thinking. A good example was when President Obama publicly spoke out upon hearing of the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates for disorderly conduct. But at
least he recognized his blunder and made amends. Can that be said of many in the news commentary business that fight over being the first to give their gut reactions to things that they know very little about, like the recent killing spree in Norway. When the news first broke there was immediate blame placed on Al Qaeda, Muslim extremists, and jihadis in general. How wrong they were. The same thing happened in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing--it must have been Muslims. Wrong again. I am
constantly getting emails that have gone through many generations of forwarding, all expressing outrage over one thing or another, but what they all have in common is a lack of examination of the facts. It rarely takes me long to verify the lack of veracity or the twisting of facts from these largely anonymous articles. But these emails just keep going around long after the lies have been exposed. What is wrong with America is just what Adolph Hitler recognized as his power base when he said
"How fortunate for governments that the people they administer don't think." Far too many of us fail to think critically about what happens around us each day. Because of that we, or the people we elect to represent us, give support to laws that pass to "get tough on crime" only to discover the unintended consequences that come back to bite them. 9/11 scared us, but was our collective gut reaction appropriate? Are we happy with the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? Are we happy with the
way the Patriot Act has curtailed many of our freedoms? Were our leaders using critical thinking skills when they took these measures to "Protect our National interests?" Or were they just counting on the people not thinking so that they could pursue some hidden agenda? Of course, I am not suggesting that our leaders have nothing but the highest respect for the people who elected them. Now, what do you think? And take your time thinking, don't just react. Fear is the
darkness. Freedom is the candle. The ACLU keeps it lit. Freedom isn't free. It must be defended not only on the battlefield, but in the ballot box, sometimes in the streets, but always by a vigilant citizenry that recognizes that the measure of a free society is the rights accorded to the least popular and most vulnerable of its members. It is time to return the civil liberties lost during the Bush administration and maintained during the Obama
administration. Let's never forget! The Constitution is there to ensure we do not turn into a fascist state. The Constitution is for all people! To choose fear, hatred, and violence as a response to evil will make us kin to evil. We must always seek the higher road. We must have freedoms and safety TOO. We need to totally do away with the Patriot Act. I'm saying this because I love my country and
I don't want to see fear mongers take over again. We should fight for freedom and not to be some kind of a Police survailence state We should not give up our civil liberties such as allowing the government to listen in on our conversations, leaving our ideal of habeas corpus at Guantanamo Bay,or leaving the patriot act in affect for ever . If we lose the liberties this country was founded on,then they have won. Whenever injustice
becomes law, resistance become duty! Our Constitution sets us apart and to violate its intent is to violate the very soul of America. There is no true justification for violating the Constitution even under the guise of defending it. WE THE PEOPLE should not tolerate such treason by our own government. Secret governmental agencies can never be justified in a democratic republic. Our civil liberties are what make this country great. Let
Freedom Ring! There are literally thousands upon thousands of Americans that can "feel" when misuse of our Constitution & Bill of Rights has occurred. The point is that some of those that "feel" are politicians who have selfishly &/or foolishly taken an unethical & unwise position about safe & free...Time for the good fight to set things right. With Liberty and Justice for ALL! We must rise about pettiness and
strive to be equal to our highest ideals for freedom and justice for everyone everywhere. There is no logic in destroying the rights gauranteed by the Constitution in the name of protecting them. 911 awoke in me a sense of patriotism that prompted me to join the military two years later. After a tour of deployment to OIF, I realized that the freedom that I was fighting for had been compromised back here, but on a more subtle way. We need to rejoin
the country of equality that we had before this terrible tragedy. Fear makes us weak and vulnerable. We cannot let fear be the guiding factor in our thinking. As our forefathers before us, be courageous and believe in the America they built. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights gave us a system for freedom; study them, believe them. Here's hoping that Americans can turn this corner we stand on, and remember that our Constitution is intended to
protect the rights of all. Not curtail them in the name of fear, prejudice, and power-seeking. In memory of those who were lost,let's protect our Constitutional freedoms. guaranteed by the C Maybe 9/11 would not have happened if we had been faithful to the values embodied in our Constitution in the first place. Sadly, many of the laws and regulations promulgated for our "security" in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks
(and, just as sadly, remaining in effect) are more consistent with the values of the 9/11 attackers than with the values that led to the founding of the United States of America. When an American says that he loves his country, he means not only that he loves the New England hills, the prairies glistening in the sun, the wide and rising plains, the great mountains, and the sea. He means that he loves an inner air, an inner light in which freedom lives and in which a man can
draw the breath of self-respect. Martha-NJ Our constitutional rights must not be abridged, for the sake of national interest, security, or any other reason by any party, lobby, court, or corporation. I wish my country could be a better place to live where freedom is not just said but seen. I have been living under intense scrutiny warrantlessly for the past 17 years. 911 was a terrible thing to happen it was very upsetting to
me.i felt so sorry for the families. Freedom for one, freedom for all! Freedom without justice for ALL is unlawful and unacceptable discrimination. We're all in this life together and the Golden Rule should apply. I am tired of living in a country that boasts of freedom yet only allows the few rich to really have freedom. I am, again, utterly heartbroken at the tragedy of 9/11/01. And I am angry that the Obama
administration has continued the same misguided practices that undermine our Constitutional freedoms and actually weaken our security. Those who died on 9/11 deserve much, much better. I want to live in the America that I learned about when I was in school. I'm 65 now. I will stand up for freedom, in good times or bad ! If our freedoms are curtailed, the victims of 9-11 died in vain. It is high time to unite behind
what is bes for our citizens and the citizens of the world. It's when we are threatened that it is most important to uphold the Constitution. Our founding fathers and mothers must have been afraid while they fought, suffered, sacrificed and died for our rights and freedoms. Fear is not a reason to give these up. Our rights to peaceably assemble must be restored. Sign this petition, then knock on doors or get on a
phonebank for one of the organizations fighting to keep these freedoms. The tragedy of 9/11 will only be repeated if we act with hostility and a feeling of superiority over our global peers. Every person, regardless of nationality, deserves to be treated with care and respect. The tragedy of that day need not lead to fear, but appreciation for our common humanity. Principles set aside in the name of defense is a weak response. We must do better. There is never a good reason for subverting our constitution. That is what is supposed to set us apart in the world. Never again should we act like common thugs. We need to return to the values and truths embodied in the Constitution: freedom, human dignity, and human rights. Freedom is too important to put aside our liberties because of threats. We need to stand stronbg for our basic freedoms. Let us always preserve our
Constitution, the Benchmark of Freedom. We can address the BinLaden issues when we can regulate all Us & Int'l corporations equally? there is a reason that our "national anthem" ends with land of the free and home of the brave.. we need to keep it that way... What I have just read about the Mall of America is most disturbing. Not only was there racial profiling, the police are not keeping these record for 20 years. Why?
Were these official law enforcement personnel who were tracking unsuspecting people or security people? And why, especially since the majority of those cited were not snowy white. This is awful!!! Keep strong and vigilant. Iam an independent and Ibelieve that what the Repub;icans are doing to our way of government borders on a feony. Covert surveillance of the populace by the government will never enhance freedom; it will only hinder
it. Let's stop using the victims of 9/11 as political pawns. What defines us as a country is the idea that we hold certain ideas to be vital: if we betray these ideals by surrendering them, then have we not already lost? Commit to the Constitution Don't be worse than Bush. I am an American citizen who is extremely angry about the freedoms lost in my country. As a senior citizen, i may
go to my grave knowing my children and grandchildren may not be free. I have sobbed myself to sleep over this sad fact. I want my country back. To quote a great man-We have nothing to fear but fear itself... TRUE FREEDOM MEANS WORK SINCE SELF AGGRANDIZEMENT MEANS OTHERWISE. HOW IS IT ATTAINED? BY KNOWING THAT "TRUTH" WILL ALWAYS TRIUMPH OVER SELFISHNESS. MAURICE ROTHMAN Hate most often is reciprocal. We have to reconsider our
global strategies. As long as a few countries continue to exploit all the worlds resources, there will be hate toward the few rich who have the military power to steel it from the rest of the world. this nation is not a nation built and dreamed of for only the wealthy but a nation where choices and chances are given to all. the wealthy are only wealthy because they drive on public roads rely on the public police force and employ the publicly educated. both the small and the
great deserve the right to live, work ,and choose how they live , not deterrmined by an intrusive government We Cannot 'LIVE IN FEAR' Due to the Tragic Events of September 11th-AMERICA Is BETTER-THAN-THAT... We Honor and Solemnly Remember THOSE Who Perished - BUT - In THEIR HONOR - May We Resolve To LIVE - FEARLESSLY With Dignity and AWARE- NESS...GOD BLESS AMERICA... The grief of our nation was exploited in a cheap power grab. The best way to
remember those who were lost is to honor the noblest American tenets by which we purport to define ourselves: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness instead of fear, surveillance, and state-sponsored torture. I am more afraid of what we have done to ourselves over the past 10 years ... than any damage a foreign attack could have done. the only way to defend the constitition is to keep the republicans out of office. For my
grandchildren--guard all our privacy and be tolerant of all. GWBush did far more damage to our freedoms than Al Qeada ever did-and Obama continues it. people are half asleep about these issues! We are now tortuting people! Something our country would have been up in arms over at one time-at least I would like to think! I believe that the basic rights to freedom and justice should prevail for all and the job description for law enforcement be as it use to
be and says on each unit car. to protect and serve ! instead the sdpd instead of investigating and mediating they are unjustly taking innocent s to jail only to have no charges filed against the individual and or jumping to conclusions and the innocent are railroaded by the public defenders office to plead guilty or the cost will be risking found gulity and or alot of money and time in custody all hte same.. KNOWINGLY PROESSURING DEFENDANTS INTO A GUILY PLEA The United
States of America is no longer for the people or by the people! Our political leaders are not concerned about what is best for the people and start taking advantage of their roles that are suppose to support the people of the United States of America. We are a world divided within it's own self in every aspect (eg. politicians, people, countries, families)! Either have to pull it together or we are all doomed to have a bleak and enslaved future! Freedom is not free. We
have to continually fight for our freedom. As soon as we turn our backs to our civil liberties, they will be taken away. Stand up for your rights! Gog Bless America I pledge to always stand up for my constitutional rights and for anyone else who can't stand up for themselves. To defend the Constitution, we must know it and understand it's meaning. It's not just a word, it's the soul of America. It is
intolerable to use this horrible act to further hurt the American people with unconstitutional and illegal tactics such as the Patriot Act and other abuses of power. In order to live free, we must not let fear rule our lives. To protect our freedom, we must conquer our fears. If fear prevails, freedom dies. Let our leaders know we sill not stand for this!! Freedom is not just physical, freedom within one self to do what one
desires, i stand for freedom to stand up for your rights, freedm to be who you are, not sublect yourself to be who 'they' want you to be. FREEDOM to help one another in the struggles we all go threw, FREEDOM to come together and be a voice to recken with! NEVER FORGET YOUR FREEDOM AND THOSE THAT FIGHT FOR US (and dnt know us) TO KEEP IT! Be the change you wanna see in the world. THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY who lives and died for FREEDOM. Pay it forward. No one should forget
9/11 but the U.S. has given the Taliban exactly what they wanted - for the U.S. to live in fear on a day by day basis. Enough already! It's time to stop the body searches at the airports. They treat us like criminals and take away our rights as Americans. Trained dogs could do the same job, only better! And get rid of the snooping Patriot Act. This is America, isn't it? As an American citizen I say Let us join together to insist that freedom prevails: NO torture, NO
targeting of folks because of their race or religion, and STOP the endless war! I pledge to take a stand for freedom 9/11 should not be the excuse to lose our civil liberties. It should give us more courage to enforce the freedoms we have, not subtract them. I am not afraid. As a veteran Army medic, I KNOW that our rights must be defended... fear cannot be deter this truth, ever. BAN ELECTRONIC WARFARE ON
CIVILIANS By sacrificing our freedoms wutg the passage of the so-called Patriot Act, and by engaging in aggressive wars rather than using law enforcement to stop terrorists, we have lost both freedom and security. Chile, Bolivia, Honduras - is that who we are - ruled by fear and repression? Iran, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria - is that what we have to do to reject police state secrecy? NO. We can be a free people by our own choices when we elect leaders who
aren't ruled by fear. Corporate America and the party that supports them must be stopped from their destruction of the middle class. This country was not founded to become the plutocracy they are leading us into. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of
destruction....The chain reaction of evil--hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars--must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation. -MLK Do not under any circumstances sacrifice the freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution. Freedom depends on everyone's rights being equally protected, most of all during periods of fear. freedom is humanity's great hope. Freedom is
something that must be fought for. Fight with the ACLU! I am saddened that the attacks on our country have sent us into fear. Curtailing freedoms was the wrong way to respond to these attacks, and it still is. I mourn those lost on and since 9/11/01. I hope that we can overcome the fear-induced belief that we become safer by limiting our Constitutional freedoms. Remember the Constitutional Oath of Office is to protect and defend the constitution of
the United States of America. I oppose giving up my civil liberties in order to gain false security! I vote on these issues - ahead of taxes and spending! I was USAF Honor Guard, ask to speak on behalf of our GREAT Nation, they gave me no words to review, they came from my HEART. We must continue to speak and act from our HEARTS. GOD BLESS AMERICA If we reduce our liberty, terrorists win. If you can't stand with me in defense of freedom, stand behind me. Support the ACLU and other organizations fighting to keep America free. It is time to realize that safety cannot be obtained without freedom. And there are three points that must be balanced--safety, freedom and risk. Freedom and safety come with risks and there is a dynamic balance that must be maintained to keep us free. keep up your good work Let
freedom ring. Only WE can destroy the Constitution, not anyone else. Repeal the Patriot Act, investigate torture, legalize drugs, enact standards to prevent prison rape, and end our wars, both foreign and domestic. Senators should have to give up their seats at least every 4 years... Make that legislation and I will support you more... The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are not easy because if they
were we probably would not need them. The ACLU does not do easy! The limits of freedom are reached when a person's freedom is reduced beyond that of another. No group formed for limitations of individual financial liability in enterprise, constitutes an individual deserving of any freedom beyond that legal release from full personal liability. Existing solely for that purpose, such a corporation must not embody any right whatsoever reflecting Constitutional rights.
The murderous violence perpetrated on 9/11 should not have been used as an excuse to violate our Constitution. The attack should strengthen our resolve to ensure that our freedoms are not eroded by an enemy's tactics. Our remembrance of this infamy should be seen as the cause of our dedication to the rejuvenation of our commitment to democracy and the rule of law. The purpose of 9-11 was to cripple our economy. So, what do we do? We make it a 2HR
logjam to take a plane! We have lost only as long as we alter our system to try to cope with terrorists. Smart bombs? Fine. But don't make violating our constitution "acceptable!" Then they won already! The Recent erosion of our Constitutional rights in the name of safety is a tremendous concern. Please keep fighting to preserve my right to privacy. there is a war on it has been going on for many decades many centuries ,only the blind cannot see the
arc of human history and human evolution.911 and the loss of civil rights that came after, was just 1 part of this war It is the job of the people to watch the government, not the other way around! Democracy is not a spectator sport,I encourage everyone to get involved Way involved! The ACLU has done good work, and everyone from now on should speak the plain truth, in words that are easily understandable. WE LIVE IN A CORRUPT SEMI FASCIST SYSTEM, AND IT WILL BE A LONG HARD UPHILL BATTLE
REQUIRING BRAVERY RIGHTEOUSNESS AND INTELLIGENT OPPOSITION TO THE CORRUPT PARTS OF THIS SYSTEM MICHAEL BRAVO CALIFORNIA use the constitution with the courage to help humanity; not the fear that destroys it. remember....to paraphrase franklin, those who sacrifice freedom for safety; will have neither. Warrantless spying on Americans is unconstitutional, along with other freedoms we've lost under the guise of the USA PATRIOT ACT which was witten
intentionally to sunset (expire). However every Congress and President has renewed it, and even added to it as time has passed. Restore the Constitution and repeal the USA PATRIOT ACT! Without our freedoms, we're not the country we love. If we give up our freedom, the terrorists win. The days following 9/11, we were so united as American people. Black, Hispanic, White, Asian...an endless list of brotherhood. With the use of
fear & paranoia, we became angry, bitter, judgement spewing & paranoid. Our government took our sense of love for our fellow Americans, & turned it into something ugly. I am an American, and I believe in American values of freedom and justice, not in hatred and fear. We are just a few short steps from a police state. The Nazis claimed it was for the people's own good that they did what they did -- and the government here is starting to
act the same way. We can never give up our hard won freedoms to fear. We have nothing to fear but fear itself, for fear is what leads us to sell our freedom for a false feeling of safety. What's really sad is the way the right wing in our country has used the attacks to frighten people and further their own agenda. It started with President Bush and continues to this day. Bless those we lost. I will
stand behind the ACLU espousing Freedom! Stand up for the Constiution as it is not like the Republicans did when they took power in congress and they decided to pick and choose which parts they want to use and which parts to leave out. You can take everything from us but you can never take our pride! God Bless America Land of the free!!! My father spent the last 15 years focused on crime. He watched the news in all his spare time
and was terrified to go downtown, because it wasn't safe, even though it was the bustling social center of Denver. His obsession with fear killed him 15 years before he died. The government hides behind the 9/11 attack. They have made people fear Muslims in our country, even if they aren't terrorists. The so called "War on Terror" should be fought in the courts not by the military. Police work, trials & jurisprudence should be our priority not
invasions, bombing etc. We cannot "fix" the middle east by military action We seem to forget the almost 1 Million Iraqi's We slaughered and the Hundreds of Thousands of Afghani's We've Killed and untold Pakistani's as a result of 9/11 vengence. We need to not only protect Our Freedoms but also the Lives of Others, otherwise Our Freedom is pretty hollow.I don't think Our Founders envisioned Our Constitution as empowering Us to Slaughter Others. While the
attacks of 9/11/01 were a terrible tragedy and we should rightfully mourn for those who lost their lives and the devastating effects on the lives of their loved ones, we should never forget that the greatest loss we suffered came shortly after that day; the loss of individual freedoms and the increasing militarization of our once great nation. Playing on fear, we have brought to the police state we now live in. If we value those lives lost, this must be reversed, and our constitutional rights
upheld. Without freedom, our humanity is a mockery, does not ring true. Freedom must remain the goal of all people throughout the world. There is no such thing as freedom , "except for you, you, and you on alternate Thursdays." No More Internment Camps or Guantanomo Bays. The attacks should remind us of the need for more democracy. 9/11 should have strengthened our commitment to our Constitutional rights. Instead it
was used as weapon to slowly destroy it using "terror" [terrorism] as the excuse. Never again, good people, let your fear override your intellect and give up your freedoms for a little momentary "security". """Only the small secrets need to be protected. The big ones are kept secret by public incredulity."" --Marshall McCluhan ""If both the past and the external world exist only in the mind, and if the mind itself is controllable--what then?"" I believe in the American freedom and protecting citizens' rights. I am a naturalized American citizen who loves and values what this great country stands for. Let's not forget that ALL MUSLIM AMERICANS are Americans like all others from different faiths and they deserve equal protection under the Constitution I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance,
sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. Why must we live in fear, we are the greatest country in the world. Sometimes it doesn't feel that way. That is why we need to protect our consitution. Thank you to all that assisted the wounded, it's time to rebuild, never hold hatred in your heart. We are all together on this One planet. Freedom is not free and neither is my vote. My elected officials must earn "MY
VOTE." I would never choose to be anything but an American. "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." FDR Taking away our liberties and civil rights does not make our country safer. Too many have used the 9/11 tragedy to hide abuses by our gov't. Thank goodness for the ACLU. We need more transparency, not less. "America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and unbeatable
determination to do the job at hand." Harry S Truman 57 years ago, I was born into a land of Freedom and patriotism, let's keep it that way. Bad facts make bad laws and it is up to us to help fix them. From Ben Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Yes, indeed, in WWII, we were angry, determined. Now we are fearful, of the future, of our
government, of business, of nearly everything. This is an attack on the American people. How hypocritical of the president to commemorate 9/11 by denying the medical issues of first responders, attacking our privacy and freedoms, and killing and maiming untold innocent people in endless wars. I am most sad that I can no longer visit my son who moved 1,800 miles away. I cannot in good conscious subject myself to being felt up in order to fly and my age
prevents my driving that far. I feel I am no longer free. I also am careful on the internet as I believe all our conversations are monitored. I LOVE the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!! I sense that the political right tea-partiers are trying to dismantle and destroy the Constitution. If I have to choose safety or freedom, I would choose freedom. If I have to choose big government or small I choose small. If I have to choose The
Patriot Act and FEMA and other agencies or the Constitution, I choose the Constitution and its enforcement thereof. If we continue to live as though we are terrified and willing to give up our rights, then the terrorists will have won. Our country was founded on Civil liberties. We must turn back from using torture. The best way to radicalize citizens is to treat them unequally. The Patriot Act is NOT patriotic!!
We must be brave enough to not buy into the fear mongers..... There aren't degrees of equality. Equal means EQUAL! We must face our fears and defend our freedoms. We must work to maintain our democracy and civil rights in spite of the fear-mongering that has marked the last decade. I believe the civil rights of all human beings need to be protected. Common Sense Politics PLEASE! =)
Our capitulation to fear must end. Freedom should not be contingent upon our sense of security. We should stand strong for what makes America great, out commitment to freedom and human rights. 9/11 was a great tragedy in this country but if we allow the leaders of this country to change the constitution using our fears from 9/11 then the enemy has won.... America has gone over to the dark side. Only through
a long and principled struggle for civil rights, justice, and equality for all can begin to regain our moral standing in the world. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are not outdated. "It is obviously good and proper to respect the U.S. flag, perpetuated with the blood of American heroes. On the other hand, it can be a fatal mistake, a nuking of the Bill of Rights, not to recognize scoundrels who wrap themselves in the same flag to cover up
their crimes against the American common people." -Sherman Skolnick Fear is the worst liar. Stop the war on terror! Stop the war on U.S. Citizens! Stop the Drug War! Defund the War on Terror Industry! We live in the United States of America. The constitution was written for the "justice for ALL". A fearful population is easily manipulated. FDR said it best. "We have nothing to fear, but fear itself." After the tremendous loss on 9/11 we failed to take that energy and make this country and world a better place. Give me back my God-and-Founding-Fathers given freedoms! The repression of our civil rights by the Bush and Obama administrations have done more damage to our country than Al Qaeda ever imagined! Where are the leaders with the will to confront what these 10 years have wrought? Who will stop the flow of blood?
Where is Justice? More than half of the Arab World will soon join us as free citizens of the world. It's time to inspire them with our own resolve to protect freedom just as they have inspired us in the past year. Submitting to fear, letting fear guide our politics and laws, is letting the terrorist win. The Constitution gives us rights that should not be curtailed in the guise of "defense of our country". How more than ever our
freedoms must be preserved. WE THE PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO FREEDOM AND TO BE SAFE AND STILL WE HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT ,I WILL NOT LIVE IN FEAR I AM AN AMERICAN ,WE NEED PEACE TO ALL LIVE TOGETER ,PEACE NOT WAR GOD BLESS AMERICA EVERYONE "Those who would trade liberty for security deserve neither" Horrible as the terrorist attacks were, our government's craven and bellicose response to them was worse. America is better than the way
we've responded to those attacks, and I pledge to fight against all continuing and further attacks on our Constitution in the name of fear or security. I should not have to fear losing my rights in this land of the free and home of the brave. America needs to return to the untrammeled Bill of Rights on which it was founded. Bush and Co. di more to bring down the rule of law, based on the Constitution than any previous leaders. (/11
was horrible but it didn't justify what they did to our international standing and our sense of integrity at home. No inalienable right should be sacrificed as we all try to keep our country safe. Freedom is eternal vigilance. We should not allow ourselves to be ruled by fear. Fear brings out the worst in us. Be informed. Stay informed. Raise your voices against the lunatic fringe who wish to dismantle the
Constitution. I am proud to live in the land of the free...America. All other countries that I have visited wish they had the same freedom, but all peoples are alike in wanting the same things...shelter from the cold, food to nourish out bodies, clothes to protect us from the environment, and friends and family to sustain us in our times of need. 9/11 was a terrible tragedy. However, it helped us remember what is truly important in life. That is health
and family. Let's not forget that IF YOU GIVE UP PERSONAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOM FOR SAFETY, IN THE END YOU HAVE NEITHER -- THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE GOING ON NOW W/THE MOST EVER INTRUSIVE GOV'T! It is my right as a Human to be free! Because freedom can't protect itself aclu. DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION!. I don't want my 7 year old
son to fear/hate anyone because of race,religion, or who they love. Let Freedom Ring! My family members went to foreign lands and fought for freedom. Why do we now need to fight here at home for those same freedoms? Land of the Free? My heart goes out to everyone lost on 9/11. But the tragedies didn't stop there. The Bush Administration, GOP, and Tea Party used this horrible day to push their own anti-American agendas. We will
need the next 10 years to win back what was taken from our own government. Our Freedom and civil liberties should never be jeopardized. Our government is for the people and elected by the people. If government is not working for the people, it is time for the American people to take our government back. This is what our fore fathers established when they made the Constitution & Bill of Rights. No government should be stronger or have more power than the people they
serve! My family moved here from Iran when I was three to escape an oppressive Islamic fundamentalist regime that had essentially done away with all civil liberties. What America means to me -- and what I never take for granted -- is freedom. Freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom to choose what we do with our own bodies and in our own bedrooms, the rights of the accused to due process. It is these freedoms that make proud to be an American -- and a
long-time member of the ACLU. As Sinclair Lewis put it, " When fascism comes to America it will be draped in the flag and carrying a cross." September 11 should be declared a Fedral Holiday for Rememberance and Mourning 9/11 is one of the saddest days in my lifetime. I choose to honor the loss of those in the towers, the Pentagon and those innocent passengers on the jets used as weapons by standing up for the rights granted to me and
my fellow citizens by our wonderful Constitution. As we remember the people we lost on 9/11, we must not forget the Constitution and Bill of Rights are the background of the United States, and their interpretation should not be abused to fit some groups idealogical agenda. We must maintain our freedoms as guaranteed by these documents. I carry the constitution with me in my heart, head, and pocket. No one has the right to misquote or misuse its
words. I look forward to the day when we no longer have the so called "Patriot" Act. If you want peace, work for justice. In all my lifetime, actually not since the Civil War, has America more needed her citizens to defend the Constitution. As FDR said..."The only thing we have to fear,is fear itself ". That includes fear of standing for for ALL of our freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. Just
another example of the Shock Doctrine: Use fear and confusion to undermine civil liberties in the name of freedom. Only by the consecration of Russia to the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Pope Benedict, will we not have a repeat 9/11 or destruction of Constitution of the U.S. Our freedom is being chipped away, bit by bit by corrupt politicians. We must stop voting for them; and demand candidates of proven integrity. Remember the
principles this country was founded to live by and to uphold. Vote your values 100% of the time and ignore the naysayers who fail to understand the importance of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. We must continue to fight for our civil liberties. we need 2 live not in fear but in freedom freedom 4 the world justice 4 all mankind We cannot allow fear to guide us....we will lose all freedoms if this
occurs. One thing that would be really great would be to get rid of the so-called PATRIOT Act. Also, as a United States Navy Veteran, I swore to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. SO did George W. Bush and Richard Cheney. I want them to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law because if we don't, it means that we are all complicit in war crimes and the whole world is watching. No one is above the law. Our
Constitutional rights may be in the greatest danger they have ever been in right now. We must preserve and protect the Bill of Rights. I believe in the principles of the Constitution and the need to protect them from ZEALOTS. quit spying and spreading fear-----and let all americans vote unimpeded RE-INVESTIGATE 911 The American people are not the enemy!!! "I prefer a man who will burn
the flag and then wrap himself in the Constitution to a man who will burn the Constitution and then wrap himself in the flag." ...i believe we must defend our Constitution from all attacks, both foreign or domestic, from within or from without. Any nation that deserves to be both safe and free knows that war and repression should be a last resort as a solution to its problems. Unfortunately, not only did America make war and repression its first and
foremost solution, it essentially made it its only solution. Dickhead Cheney is still an evil tool and a war criminal who belongs in prison! FREE AND SAFE It is time to repeal the "Patriot" Act. It undoes four or five of the Bill of Rights. I have never heard a good explanation of why there should be no independent accounting of domestic spying by our government, even after the fact. It's mystifying that our
President seems fearful as well as the right. We ourselves need to lead him, if possible. It's time to reclaim American freedom from those who would scare us and deny us liberty. Let us all remember those who were killed and wounded in that terrible attack of 09.11. Liberty and justice for all: Muslim and Jew, Christian and Atheist, American Indian and Immigrant. Our civil liberties are essential for freedom and justice. SC chapter is still weak. Thanks for erasing my "private" electronic writing countless times over the years. USA#1! The Constitution has brought to bear the blood of our forefathers, The Constitution has brought to bear the blood of those who are sworn to serve, protect, and defend the promise it brings. The Constitution bears the blood of our people who strive to live a life of freedom and liberty, while in the pursuit of happiness. The Constitution
remains a beacon of light that touches all shores of all people and gives hope to many when all hope was lost. In this day of remembrance lets us not falter in our quest to preserve the integrity and distinction our Bill of Rights represents. Let us remember the blood that has been spilled from those who have so eloquently defended the promise of our Constitution. Furthermore, let us remember our responsibility of citizenry to one another for such great sacrifice! The more
important day in our lives was 9/12 when we conceded our freedoms for "security" and accepted fear mongering for political gain as the norm. The NYC firemen who were and remain the bravest among us, fell in the line of duty on 911. The real perpetrators of this horror will be uncovered and they will be punished. LET FREEDOM RING! Let us remember that it was only 9 terriosts that created the horrer of 9/11.We must not condem the Moslem
comunity in the US for their acts. Peace and justice go together. We need both to remain free. That also means respecting others freedom and stopping our wars. Never let the wolves-in-sheep's clothing get away with anything that is injurious to our freedoms … I pledge to defend the Constitution TODAY! I Love my Country, but Fear my Government. Why would anyone give up their freedom
willingly, when someone attacks it? Freeedom and security are complimentary and not separable in the long term get human...no more excuses... I Swear to defend the US Constitution against enemies DOMESTIC and abroad. If we lose our liberties, then what are we even fighting to preserve? If we take away our freedoms in order to fight terrorism, then the terrorists will have won. Is that what we really
want? Laws that make us safer also tend to restrict our freedom. We can't live free lives if fear causes us to limit the breadth of our freedoms through the guise of safety. Norway's Prime Minister after the terrorist attack, "We will meet terror with more democracy" The ACLU is VERY important to America. Without it the strong, wrong, evil ones in our country will continue to push their agenda against us, good people like you and me.
the assault to our freedoms especially for WOMEN has never been greater-This SUPREME COURT is a TRAVESTY and I thank the ACLU for it's absolute commitment to US! The Patriot Act which was passed in a hurry and without enough deliberation should be repealed. We must reverse the policy of mass incarceration in this country. We must stop the wars we started in response to 9/11 and end the civilian casualties and casualties to our troops. Let us pursue peace
and civil liberties as a united country. The worst thing we could do in response to this horrible attack would be to mimic the behaviors of its perpetrators. I told my parents that if Goerge W. Bush became president within one year we would be at war. Well, that was proven to be a correct statement. More than this "we the people" deserve truth from our leaders. How can we believe the "PANCAKE THEORY"??? ONE HUNDRED FLOORS COLLAPSED IN LESS THAN 8
SECONDS!!! LESS THAN 8 SECONDS!!! Try counting to one hundred in 8 seconds - I've tried. How many people died and were cheated from the truth! Mothers, fathers, boyfriends, girlfriends, aunts, uncles - HOW CAN I LOOK AT MYSELF IN THE MIRROR EVERYDAY WITHOUT THINKING OF THE LIES OUR GOVERNMENT FED US THROUGH THIS ENTIRE COVER UP. The world trade center has records connecting the dots to the most hurrendous atrocities of our time yet we ate PANCAKES - PANCAKES! DEMAND A NEW INVESTIGATION AND
ACCOUNTABILITY!! please stand up for free speech A country that tortures to protect "freedom" is still a country that tortures. America should not be that country. May God help us all to withstand our fears and hold onto our faith in each other. Stand for freedom. I'm appalled that we are being punished for what our enemies have done. We suffered a horrible attack. We
came together as one people in response. But then 9/11 began to be used for political gain. This led to a full assault on civiil liberties, fueled by fear mongering of the basest sort. We must repair that damage, or the tragic legacy of 9/11 will be a far less free people. And then the terrorists win. I support the ACLU in its work to promote BOTH safety AND freedom - especially the freedoms enumerated in the Bill of Rights. Land of the free; home of
the brave. When are the leaders of this country America, that I live in, going to truthfully obey the very things written in our own constitution? When will we truly have "liberty and justice for ALL"?! I pray for everyone that died for our freedom. I will always stand for freedom. This is our America My heart still goes out to those directly affected by the awful attacks 10 years ago and to the American people for having to have
this in our history, but most of all I hope that we believe in our constitution; it is what separates us and what makes this the best country in the world. AS an educator in the public school system, I believe that our youth exhibit the ideals that this great country represented and still represents. It behooves us, who take care of these children, to continue to uphold those principles of justice, freedom and a diversity of cultural ideals. This is what made us strong, and
will continue to do so. We must also participate in social justice and activism, to speak our minds, so that the next generation may also enjoy this legacy. Our Constitution is beautifully wrought, and it saddens me to find certain entities within our government working against it! we need to protect our constitution, which really protects us Fear is just a word used to separate us. Real freedom is not freedom from, but freedom for.
THE CONSTITUTION WAS NOT A DOCUMENT ONLY FOR WHEN THE COUNTRY WAS ENJOYING FOOD TIMES. IT WAS FOR WHEN EVERYTHING WAS GOING WRONG. IT IS A STATEMENT OF OUR STANDARDS OF GOVERNANCE AND ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR AND BELIEFS. IT IS THE SOUL OF OUR NATION. I was in WW11 Navy, went to 4 years of college on the G! Bill, then married and risd a family. I L;OVE THE USA If we try to trade freedom for security we will end up with neither freedom nor
security. Fear and hatred are not the answer. Learn to see the entire world with compassion. We the People of the United States of America, these words that were written for us and our country so many years ago have stood for freedom justice and the pursuit of happiness for all of us we can't let a few destroy what is written on this document because it will destroy what the United States stands for!!!! We the People of the
United States of America, these words that were written for us and our country so many years ago have stood for freedom justice and the pursuit of happiness for all of us we can't let a few destroy what is written on this document because it will destroy what the United States stands for!!!! When our freedom is threatened, that is the time when we stick even closer to our values and our constitutional rights -- now is not the time to act like terrorists ourselves.
When we surrender our constitutional rights in the name of security, the terrorists have won. It sometimes feels that Bin Laden won..this country has been changed drastically! When we take away the constitutional rights of a few to protect the majority, the very principles we are "protecting," no longer have any meaning. I stand up for freedom and reject choice between security and safety. Be weary of he who says"I will give up freedoms to feel secure." Without your freedoms you are never secured. For those who feel that restriction is strength, every day is a day of crisis for the constitution. Maintain the Bill Of Rights and the balance of powers. Our forefathers would be appalled at the weakness our current government shows in the face of adversity ... they pledged their lives against British "terrorism" and we
should do no less. The terrorists have already achieved their goal by causing us - in our cowardice - to give up on the best system of government in the world. The people of this country are and have been ready, it's readily apparent our government is not! RESTORE OUR CONSTITUTION - TODAY ! As I stood near the twin towers I saw brave, young firefighters donning their gear urgency rushing towards their fate. They were focused on saving their fellow human being and did not ask
of their religion or politics. This land is for all of us to serve and help those who cannot help themselves. you are asking me for a comment and will not respond to me concerning the millions of us that can not vote because we went to prison. shame on aclu and you know we are not free to have representation but are taxed. I have been out of prison for 30 yrs and you all wont say nothing or do nothing and you know this is wrong.what is freedom when
you can't vote. give me a break. I dont have money to give you so I guess I dont count. Beware the Military Industrial Complex as expressed in our current Big Banking and Big Investment Communities!!! Fully restoring the constitution and bill of rights should be a #1 priority Only we the people can stand up for our rights.If we don't stand up for our rights they will be taken away. I fear the domestic forces
that work constantly to undermine America with their true believer zeal to establish a 'Christian' police state based only on the 'Bible.' To allow one's people to lose one's rights in the name of having them gain security, is to let the terrorists win. A democracy does not stray from it's constitution without losing sovereignty. I am sad that we have become a nation of sheep, controlled by corporations, politicians and the media. We mustn't sacrifice liberty for the sake of security. Are we truly safer after unleashing a huge military initiative and creating wars in the world? How long before our military trained law enforcement sees citizens as enemies just as soldiers in the military do? Must we lose our liberties to make us safe? An amorphous "war on terror" shows no clear enemy, will we citizens become the enemy, as the Patriot Act continues to remove our individual human rights? One of the things I would like to address is make the people who work for congress pay the taxes like everybody else has to There is no reason they shouldn't pay jjust because they work for congress. Another thing I would like to address is people who violate the american disabilitys act (ada) especially some big companies need to be taught the a d a laws and need to be enforced on the companies because I being blind have trouble accessing company websites because they are flash based
which isnt accessible to a screen reader which is a program that converts text into speech or braille for blind or visually impaired people. Leave the constitution and our Bill of Rights alone I also reject all recent actions and laws that attempt to curtail, remove, or censure the First Amendment Rights of Freedom of Speech, Press, and Freedom to Peaceably Assemble. Even though this happened when I was 6 I still know that
this could have been prevented and should never happen again. Love to all who lost someone that day or from a resulting illness. Exactly! If we lose who we are--a free and liberty-loving people-- in the fight against terrorism, then we have already lost the fight. we must continue to fight for truth, liberty,justice , freedom and protecting the constitution! While september 11th was no short of a tragedy,
we must not remain ignorant to the ugly results that have arisen by choice. Choosing to generalize a set of actions by a small set of individuals to the larger "group" they "represent" is a choice that a "true" American would not make. Someone who is fearful is much more easily controlled. We must love each other through the pain. My freedom is non-negotiable. The best thing in the world is to be free. Compassion, Integrity,
Fairness - this IS the United States - let us return to who we are To me it is very clear that those who planned their successful missions on 9/11 achieved their goals--exposing the moral hypocrisy of the United States as a nation--and further weakening our economic security. I feel that I as an American citizen have been betrayed by my national leaders' responses to their violent attacks by airplanes and their exploitation of the US' moral weaknesses that fail to uphold the
principles in the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Please keep us free from terror and the terrified people who would panic at the thought of terror. "They say, 'means are, after all, means'. I would say, 'means are, after all, everything'. As the means so the end..." - Gandhi To live in constant fear is to not really live at all. I also oppose reneging on citizens' constitutional, first amendment, and
privacy rights in the name of an amorphous and never-ending war on terror. Throughout the prior decade, from the day I watched the Towers get hit and thanking the Goddess or whomever helped my 35(at that time 25)year old daughter arrive home from Manhattan 2 hours before the heinous atrocity occured, I could do nothing but cry. She never came home unless she called me to say, "Hey Momma-do, coming home to see you and Grams, okay?", I'd answer, "of course it's okay, I
love you, be careful and I'll see you in about an hour and a half!", you understand she never came home on a whim but on 9/11 2001 she did. Throughout this decade I've watched our Constitution become decimated, the Nuremberg Principles ignored by the Executive Branch, the Supremes turn Corporations into people, watch the EVIL DOER[cheney] add an adjective to "Rendition" giving us "Extraordinary Rendition", Yes, Virginia there is a difference between Rendition and Etraordinary Rendition and I
suppose 97% of these Imbeciles may have realized this had they been disembarking from their flight, grabbed from behind on that however many feet of carpet that says, "This [however many feet] is NOT a part of these United States, then become hooded, then flown to perhaps Syria, put into a ?cell? that's the size of a grave, shackled, beaten, tortured, (nope it's not "Enhanced Interrogation" ), waterboarded, bones broken, electrical leads attached to your testicles and shocked for however long
they felt or until you confessed you were al Qaeda. We had the John Warner Fiscal Act of 2007 allowing Posse Comitatus and habeas, the Great Writ from the 13th century to be suspended. Allowing Martial Law to be declared in the US of A, meaning the National Guard can be activated and allowed under orders from the Exectutive to arrest Joe Smith from Green Street because, that's all just because. The Fourth Amendment being decimated thanks to FISA with Retroactive Immunity albeit Chris Dodd
amended that Amendment it still was passed, allowing AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, they were the first 3, now whomever else they hire to tap and trap our phones and email, thanks to #43! Now that bush et al are able to have a warrant for arrest thanks to ccrjustice.org, ACLU.org and the Nuremberg if they put a toe in Switzterland they can be tried at the Hague for violation of the Nuremberg Principles, ergo no more lil' book tour. Our AG has not done a thing but others have and I hope I'll see
justice done in my lifetime. I thank the ACLU and the Center for Constitutional Rights. Perhaps we'll see our Constitution restored and for that I would be truly grateful. Peace I want to keep living in the Land of The Free The bloodshed, lies, and loss of life that marks the past decade is an indelible stain upon the character of this nation and her citizens. A better memorial for those lost on 9/11 would be a new dedication toward peace and tolerance
so that people no longer have a reason to hate and kill. The United States should lead and follow in the rule of law including not any form of torture at all or hate. Let us not be divided bt the politics of fear and hate. Instead let us keep our hearts open to hear the fears of others and bring them peace. Patriotism is more than flag waving! 9/11 was an attack on all of us. Most of us have moved on.
Politicians, however, have used it to their advantage while encroaching on our right to privacy. Why is the constitution disregarded in a time of crisis when it should be the bedrock on which critical decisions are made? Ever since 9/11, I've been hearing from supporters of the drift toward an authoritarian state, how important it is that we make sacrifices to protect our freedom. Its never been clear to me how one protects freedom by sacrificing freedom. Freedom is not a unique experience reserved for the educated or financially elite or those of my religious belief but for all individuals who accept it as a privilege and responsibility. I am a combat infantry veteran of WW2. I fought for my country, and I have never regretted it. Now, for the first time in my life, I am in fear for my country! Thanks to the so-called Tea Party, the Republican Party has become the Fascist Party of the United States! I will not tolerate
this! And I will fight it, with my last breath! I myself have had my 14th Ammendment Rights trammpled on by the State of Michigan. Hopefully the Likine vs. Michigan case that will be heard by the State Supreme court soon will resolve this abuse. March on ACLU!! I will not sacrifice my freedoms, or others', in the name of safety. If fear rules, Freedom dies, If we allow ourselves to be terrified, and give
up our freedom, than the terrorists have won. In 1967 I became a member of the armed forces ... to defend the consttution and the American way if life I still take that pledge seriouly It is past the time for a government of, by and for the people. Let's keep America worth protecting by protecting our freedoms and privacy! My friend was a lovely woman; she perished along with so many others and there have
been so many since then. Freedoms violently stolen. There is no pause in the defense of civil liberties. Our Civil Liberty is our first and most prized possession. The powerful want ALL of our possessions. the ACLU is our last best hope for Freedom tomorrow and always. Stop trying to manipulate the population with fear, racism and class warfare. Thank you, ACLU, for standing up to the hysterical conservatives who demand we
sacrifice our basic rights as citizens to obtain a false safety based on absolute conformity with government initiatives, however meaningless and restrictive. Keep up the excellent work and I will keep supporting you! The fear and political fear mongering is pushing out fine country to the edge of collapse. We need to stand tall, free, and proud of all that we are as Americans. The main reason we are commemorating 11 September is because it is a
propaganda ploy. Tell the lie frequently enough, and the mass of humanity will believe it. Certainly that is the case of our latest Anniversary To Be Remembered, just to burn it into the collective psyche. And the Constitution has been rendered mostly meaningless in the process. The time after the horrific attacks ought to have been a time of introspection to look at the root causes of why people wanted to hurt us, change our policies to respect cultures and nations and
not seek revenge with costly invasions that continue to take so many lives and waste resources. There are special interests who would like to interpret the meaning of our US Constitution to their personal advantage rather than to serve the best interests of all the citizens of United States of America. When the Supreme Court distorted the definition of person they weakened the power of the US Constitution as an effective rule of law. This country has
lost it's way by responding to the 9/11 tragedy much as the dictators in the Middle east are trying today. Repress information and free speech We must not destroy our democracy under the guise of fighting terror We must not destroy our democracy under the guise of fighting terror We stand for something & the rule of law & the Constitution are our bedrocks. Live the American Way! We were traveling
on the east coast the days immediately prior and after 9/11. The first thing I did upon returning home was to join the ACLU. I saw the writing on the wall. When we give up rights and privacy for security they have won. The politics of fear have held sway for to long, we are the land of the free and the home of the brave. Without the values that our country was based on we cannot survive as the same country. Always hold them near to your heart.
LET FREEDOM RING Dissent is a fundamental American right and obligation. Torture, terrorism, and the curbing of civil society in the name of safety, are unAmerican. This country is heading for third world status, economically and politically. We the people has become "the hell with the people". We must restore all of the bill of rights. Freedom like nature needs light to thrive. Secrecy like darkness causes them to
shrivel Adversity from without in the form of the 9/11 attacks should have been used to build national commitment to a stronger US. Eisenhower used the Cold War as the "tool" to get the US to build the interstate highway system -- our most successful infrastructure venture since the transcontinental railways were constructed more than a century earlier. In a similar vein, Kennedy used the Cold War to incentivize the US public to develop its educational resources,
particularly scientific education, by leading the "land a man on the moon within a decade" crusade. Both Presidents used the adversity of being locked into "combat" with an enemy as a way to call for greater internal strength in the US. That is how we should be responding to the terrorism threat. And, the first way to make any country stronger is to protect rather then erode its domestic freedoms. Our most cherished values , Freedom, Justice, Equality & Peace must be
at the forefront of all the major decisions we make as a people and the actions we take to protect them. "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." ~Yoda Teddy Roosevelt wisely stated that to avoid criticism of the unconstitutional in times of crisis was...''unpatriotic,servile and morally treasonable.'' I whole-heartedly agree.Thanks for your ongoing work as watchdog here ACLU.I am behind you
100%. "When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men living together in society, they create for themselves, in the course of time, a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it." Frederic Bastiat (1801-1850), French economist After the past ten years, I can clearly see that one thing an emergency should not be is a chnce to trample the Constitution. We gave away too many rights as individual citizens in the aftermath of
9/11, which the administration of the time was too willing to take from us, and the current administration is relatively unwilling to cede. Once a right is lost, it is far too hard to retrieve it. Fear should never preclude freedom! Fredom and liberty is easy when we agree. It is when we stand up for those freedoms that we disapprove of, that our true patriotism shines strongest. I have been a target of DEW weapons & no-touch
torture for eight years. A prisoner of synthetic telepathy( V2K) every day I open my eyes.My human rights, consitutional rights have been severed from ME. When will this issue be addressed? I support the US Constitution and our Bill of Rights. If you sacrifice freedom for safty you will have neither. It is important to keep America safe, but not at the expense of losing our freedoms. It is time to conclude an
age of fear that has consumed a decade and altered all of our lives, and resume living as Free Americans with Liberty and Justice for All. Keep up protecting our rights Liberty or death. Many of the knee jerk reactions that occurred subsequent to 9/11 (mostly by governments) are exactly backwards from what should have followed. Lets revisit, revise, and recover. May we live our lives not ignoring fear, but
valuing freedom above fear. no more police state Old west justice in the east side baby! On September 11th, 2001, all of Humankind was finally able to see God in each and every person who has ever stood upon this earth if we merely keep this September 11th Perspective in our heart, we can keep America both safe and free at the same time. Our Constitutional freedoms and protections are what made us a great
nation. The oath of office every Federal Official takes is to protect and defend the Constitution of the U.S. We must never trade those freedoms and protections for some ephemeral hope for safety. In our Revolutionary War, our people did not ask for safety first, but chose to risk everything for the sake of our Constitutional ideals. Are we now to risk all that for some temporary hope of safety? I hope not. Our greatest strength is the ideals expressed in the Bill of
Rights. They create a strong civil society. We should not let ignorance or demagogues weaken our rights. Our liberty cannot be protected by being buried under tyrany in the guise of protection. Please leave my rights alone. Our personal rights are being taken daily . Keep religion out of our Gov. Protecting our freedom begins with freeing ourselves from the fear that threatens it. remember mr goverment.its we
the people,not you the people So much lost. So many lives wasted. So few to hold the light of freedom. Some things are too precious to surrender. As an American, I would rather have freedom without security than security without freedom. Give me liberty or give me death. Stand by the ACLU and the work they do for our civil liberty. Take down the "Patriot Act" now. The 9/11 attacks were
terrible, but what followed has been even worse. Instead of responding by redoubling our efforts to defeat the forces of totalitarianism and violent ignorance in the world, the US has increasingly reshaped itself to become more like those who attacked us in the first place. The minute we decided to do that, we lost the War on Terror and gave it a position of power in our own government. If that isn't what being conquered is about, I don't know what is. The Citizens United
decision was a travesty. America is not free, and never will be until we rid ourselves of corporate dominance. The American "Corporate" Liberties Union has lost my support. Money isn't free speech. The Constitution is one of this country's most sacred trusts. It is the foundation on which this country rests. Our founding fathers risked their lives to help create this nation and forge the principles of the Constitution as a guiding light for its' citizens. It is too bad that
we have to fight so often and so hard to preserve the rights that we were given. Those officials that violate those rights are guilty of treason. the Constitution is the blueprint for our system of government in the United States. the framers were anti factionalism and wary of political parties. each generation has the legacy of freedom and equality to perpetuate. the Constitution insures the longevity of these concepts. the military industrial
complex/corporate america has enormous control over congress and the mainstream news media, that's not democracy, that's fascism The United States has gone through many episodes of crisis in it's history when government fled from civil liberties. We remember the Alien and Sedition Acts, courts upholding slavery, the Slacker Raids of WWi, the ant-communism hysteria of the 50's and now the Patriot Act. To dystroy civil liberties in the name of security is an insult to the
victims of 9/11 and to honor them we must resist. There should never, ever, be a reason or time for restricting our civil liberties. We are all in this together as a country and ultimately as passengers on spaceship earth. If one isn't free and at peace, then freedom and peace are threatened for all of us. It's not a zero sum game in which I only get more, if you have less. In fact, it's just the opposite of that. We are not blind to
the facts! We are supposed to have a government of , by and for the people. We now have a government that is mainly of, by and for corporarations. we can stay free and safe We must continue to educate all Americans about implementing values in our Constitution, not the distortions of politicians. We must never allow the bully under cover of a false patriotism to usurp our Constitutional right to be free of
wnwarranted coercion. WE need people like yu to protect our freedom While I certainly agree with this message, I know we have NOT been fighting for freedom or to spread democracy in Iraq/Af. but to inculcate these nations with our brand of LAISSEZ FAIRE CAPITALISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep peace and civil liberties foremost in our thoughts and actions. This nation was founded on the concept of individual
freedom; let's keep it that way! CUT MILITARY SPENDING , FEED AMERICA WITH WORK ! My commitment is stronger than ever to those who died on that tragic day ten years ago. It's a commitment to keep pressure on the Obama Administration to bring an end both wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. A commitment to speak truth to power and to fight for the rights of those who don't have any. A commitment to always shine a light on the abuses of those in power,
regardless of who they are. A commitment to spread the word about the dangers of unchecked use of power by those in government. My commitment to defend human rights all over the world is and will always be there. If we give up our freedoms, then the terrorists have won. There is never a rationale reason to take away any of our freedoms! Fight for Freedom Live and die for freedom, Never fear. When
I saw the "Patriot" Act, and later heard about the warrantless eavesdropping, the coldness in the pit of my stomach said that the terrorists have won. During times of crisis, we only have our Constitution on which to rely. We must defend our American ideals most stridently during these times and not succumb to fear mongering. It's great to be able to keep fighting for our freedoms while keeping America safe at the same time. While
9/11 was a terrible tragedy, what happened to our freedoms afterwards was just as devastating. It's a shame that "innocent until proven guilty" has been a victim of terrorism just as much as those who died in the 9/11 attacks! Far more lasting harm has been done by our goverments reaction to 911 than by the act its self. Freedom is not the ability to fear persecution for unwarranted suspicion. our government needs to realize that personal privacy is as
important as personal protection! Let freedom reign!!! Revere the Constitution Courage, vision, fairness, equity, and respect for humanity is key to understanding and defending the Constitution. I have no message, but a ten-years-lasting-question: What about WTC # 7? And just another one: Who, wherever he be, is authorized to define who, foreign or domestic, is the enemy? And where might he hide, that enemy? In a
mountain hole, a desert compound, behind an agency desk, in an office, be it oval, rectangular or oblong, in an East African refugee camp amidst millions of starvelings from almost everywhere, under the roof of a Mid western home where a farmer supremely oppressed by suprimes and other mortal mortgages is waiting for his eviction by a sheriff busy obeying some incomprehensive constitutional law? Tell me, will you?! The degree to which we curtail the Freedoms and Civil Rights that
terrorists attacked on 9-11 is the degree to which these terrorists were successful. We are the verge of becoming a corporate dictatorship because the Supreme Court has legalized political corruption. We need to amend the constitution to limit the money the wealthy and the corporations can contribute to campaigns. FOR IF THERE IS NO PROGRESS, then there is no future for you and me, only them... I cannot countenance your extreme
position. I do pledge to back every reasonable thing you do. Not only guilty people are caught in the net of freedom compromising policies, innocent people are caught also. It could be you. Becoming like them, sets the example for being like them. Our government functionaries too often disrespect two essential parts of the Constitution, Articles IX and X ("Ninth & Tenth Amendments"): "The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights, shall not
be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." and "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or TO THE PEOPLE." We are the people ... We are responsible! We must return to and protect our freedoms that our founders established in the Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights. The only one's who "hate our
freedom" are the one's who claim they're taking it away to make us safer. Far to long the," PEOPLE OF THIS, ONCE GREAT NATION ", have been,"TO TRUSTING IN THE ELECTED", (nicer then saying most of us were, NOT PAYING ATTENTION, to what's been going on. This is & has been an ORGINISED, take over of our CONSTITIONAL RIGHTS, OUR FREEDOM, my systematic Destroying our Lives via,Jobs,ENTITLEMENTS, we PAID IN,"GREED".The fact is, the truth is in the,"PROFFICES", (cant spell), of
the BIBLE, all the PERDICTIONS, of the end of this world in 2012. You all know about it. I TRULY BELIEVE, there is allot of truth in some of that, and whats going on today with DESTROYING OUR CONCTUTIONAL RIGHTS IS A BIG PART.One world Currency, NO MONEY, ONLY ELECTRONIC MONEY IN ACCOUNTS SET UP FOR EVERYONE. HOMELAND SECURITY, EVERYTHING. One needs to, "STOP, & THINK ABOUT OUR RIGHTS, THE REST YOU CAN PUT THE PIECES OF THE PUZZEL TOGETHER. WE MUST FIGHT BACK FOR OUR RIGHTS, AND STAY ON TOP
OF ABOVE. If we dont try WERE DONE FOR !!! GOD, maby intended the above as a, "WAKE UP, LIVE RIGHT, HELP EACH OTHER,LOOK AT WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON. We may be given a chance to correct,PROTECT OUR GOD GIVEN RIGHTS. There are many, EVEL GOING ON, he DESTROYED ALL BEFORE. Wh have to start by PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS, AND LIVE LIKE THE GOOD PEOPLE BEFORE US.. Anything or anyone that endangers our Constitution is unpatriotic. We have nothing to fear but fear
itself and losing our civil liberties May fear turn to love and sadness compassion People's privacy needs to be respected, not invaded. When will we ever learn? The American people were taken advantage of after 9/11 by individuals at the highest level, it is time to make things right again. Keep up the wonderful work that you do at ACLU/ To be an American is to be committed to the
peaceful process of sharing information and to protect our personal freedom. If we lose our freedom to fear, then Osama won. We can mourn but will never forget those lives lost to a lawless act of horror in our land which is and shall forever be the land of the brave where freedom reigns. praise be to our God and country. A time of crises is just an opportune time for those in power to grasp for more. It's important is that we
defend ourselves against those who want to exploit us. That is one of the many lessons we should remember on September 11. How can we do this with the unpatriotic Patriot Act being pushed into out Noble way of life? We stand up for who we are as Americans by not spying on them and having access to all of their personal information. The Patriot Act gives our leaders an endless supply of law and power to oppress not our enemies but its servants who fund it, "The American People." It is Americans
that keep our Country safe and free ultimately. Attempting to exploit your fellow American with strong laws of oppression is like throwing a bacterium on a rotting banana. Stay free fellow Americans and serve no man but serve freedom on September 11th. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Rice are all war criminals and should be tried for treason and crimes against humanity for the USA PATRIOT Act, their illegal wars and other human rights abuses. Maybe Thomas L.
Friedman said it best (should also be an ACLU bumper sticker) : "We are the people of July 4 - not September 11" More policing does not make people safer. The system of police and prison only exaggerate racial, gender and economic disparities that have existed since the founding of this nation. if fear rules,freedom dies. If we compromise on the principles so declared in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, then we have already
lost. Our constitution stands as a mighty bastion and should endure without compromise. Freedom is more imprtant then safety. The struggle today is almost equal to the one with the red coats. With freedom comes great responsibility, and within that realm of responsibility, the need to protect ourselves and our loved ones sits high atop the list, so in order to truely be free we must be totally responsible for our
actions as an individual and as a nation, never can we be free whilst pushing the responsibility of safety onto others. Prohibition is the silent killer of democracy. Tobacco and alcohol are the two most dangerous drugs on Earth, yet millions of American citizens are in prison because of laws that prohibit drugs that are much less dangerous. The government isn't waging war on drugs......they are waging war on the American people. "Those who would trade
freedom for security end up with neither." Even when bad things happen, we can always choose to respond with integrity. We can choose courage and fairness. Fear doesn't have to rule us. I refuse to live in fear It is intolerable that the deaths of so many good Americans, has become the excuse of a profligate few to decimate the freedoms, rights and values we had all held in common as outlined in our Constitution and it's first 10
amendments. Security cannot be bought through the ceding of our freedoms, however incremental. Courage and integrity to our founding principles are the only way to preserve our liberty. The conduct of secret policy is an anathema to a good or just governance. Whether recognized or not, the Constitution stands and me and mine with it. Unless we all speak out, our Constitution is heading off a cliff. 9/11 should be remembered by those that passed, those that
sacrificed everything, and everyone committed to creating a safe and free country for us to live in harmony from that day forward. However this has been shadowed by special interests, greed, and a zest for power. Remember the 2,996 people who died on that day, the continually debilitating health of ground zero workers, and the sudden collapse of World Trade Center 7. We should make those who want us to surrender our rights out of fear afraid of us. We need Faith and Radical Forgiveness to replace Fear to keep Freedom. In some ways, 9/11 WAS a victory for those who wish us harm. We've become that nation, as the saying goes, that values its safety above its freedom and could soon lose both. The ever- increasing and worsening U.S. government police state has NOT defended the Constitution, but has eviscerated, eradicated, eliminated, violated, contravened, abrogated, and continuously and
fraudulently claimed that violating it is allegedly "constitutional", claimed to have the "constitutional authority" to interpet it and/or violate it as they see fit (especially the "unitary executive", aka the presidency), and claimed that what is constitutional is supposedly "unconstitutional", and that the blatantly unconstitutional is supposedly "constitutional". Their definition(s) of a constitutional republic, and of liberty and freedom, are completely different from what those people who
stand up for the human rights and civil liberties embodied in the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution believe; as is also their idea(s) of what justice is and is not. They let serial, sociopathic and psychopathic mass- torturers and murderers literally get away with murder and torture, which are both ENTIRELY unconstitutional and blatantly illegal, and then they are continuing both of those extreme crimes as well. This is a very serious impeachable effense, and indictable and prosecutable
one, in and of itself; but all of these war criminals are allowed to get away with it. Thus, may True Liberty and Freedom, and all of the True Principles of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights TOTALLY win out against all of this injustice! NOW! The purpose of 9/11 was to tear apart our country, and if people keep being bigoted in the name of "patriotism," then the goal of the hijackers and their group has been reached. Fear is NO reason to take
away my freedom. On 9/11 American's turned to their local church's more than ever. We stood together 'One nation under God" I pray that from this tragic interruption in our lives, may we bring back "God" into country & home. "God Bless America" & "The Falllen Victims & Heroes"!! The Bill of Rights We can best honor the victims by protecting our civil rights/ believe America can be both safe and free.
I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. I was 13 when it struck me that America's Security was robbed from us. I stood as a young boy on that day, and I stand as a young man today. For the Constitution and for the people affected by 9/11. I would rather worry about my security than to give up an ounce of my
freedom... I've been a member of the ACLU since FDR and HST... I am USAF veteran of WWII, Korean War, retired reservist...sworn "...to protect the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." I am implacably opposed to the oligarchs, the neofeudalists who want to return the country to the dark ages, to the ancient evil lords and serfs society... The ACLU is one of the strongest forces in the land for Lincoln's vision... Theme A New Birth of Freedom People
forget what an incredible revolution was the Enlightenment and the founding of our country. This was a truly fundamental change; the whole shape of human history was altered as by nothing before or since, not by wars, by art, by science, by religion. Until then people universally were governed by despots who oppressed them ruthlessly, supported by priests who told the people that the rulers were divinely empowered, that failures of fealty would expose them not only to the most brutal punishment
but also to afterlives of endless torment. Most everyone thought it had always been that way and always would be. The founders drew from philosophers and historians of the Enlightenment this central, truly revolutionary idea: the only way people could live free of tyrannical governance was to govern themselves. And for the founders this was not just tavern talk. They declared independence, took up arms and went to war against the ancient tyranny, the superpower of the age. And at the cost of
terrible privation and suffering, at home and in battle, they won the chance to bring our country into being as home of a free people. And they established the Constitution so we could work together for the common good with protection for each. For tyrants this was a defeat; but from the beginning they have worked to subvert our self-governance. Of late this effort has grown in strength and scope. They are attacking the Constitution; they intend no less than to reshape our country on the old
tyrannical model of top-down rule over a subservient population. But understanding of this threat is growing. The very damage they have done has cleared people's minds to see what Lincoln saw in another time of enormous pain and destruction: it's time for "a new birth of freedom -- so that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." And I don't care much for "SAFE" I care for the Constitution Lest We Forget. If we ignore our rights they will go away. Before it's too late...I will stand for freedom, and honor all those who died so that I could have the freedom to speak up when the Constitution is threatened. It's the least I can do for a country that is only as good as its vigilent citizens. Bush is just the beginning, this was a well thought out plan and is not new. It has been planned many years in the making for the day that America falls, so that the
people who are really behind this can control the rest of the world by destroying freedoms and liberties in all countries, so that the few can control the many using 911 as a reason to bump military, when 911 was no plot against Americans by the Middle East. It was a plot by our own government to slowly destroy our freedom and take away the American freedom and liberty slowly, so when its gone, we won't even notice!! I believe in keeping America free from all
unconstitutional laws. In Florida there is chapter 39 where people get there children taken away by hearsay and not due process. They don't have the right to a trial or jury, they don't have the right to face their accusers, they don't have the right to suponea witnesses, and they don't have the right to refuse bringing up evidence against themselves. Everyday children are being taken away on hearsay only and no proof or evidence. This is just a money game that keeps these agencies involved
working by destroying families. Help!!! In these troubled times, I stand for the Constitution with the ACLU. Keep on fighting for us!! Let justice pervade all corners and issues for all. Our Pledge says, "with Liberty and Justice for ALL," not just for some; we must take our country forward, not backward! The constitution and bill of rights gives us our feedom!! I wish that polititions
would quit being so greedy!! They are suppose to represent we, the people, by a voting system to speak on our behalfs. Well, recently in past 12 yrs, our goverenment sees us as cows and herds us into corals for slauter. What---are we suppose to go moo moo and then die? I dont like this idea at all!!! The power has gone to far away from what this country is to stand for and i have lost faith in it. God was dropped from this country's values. I was raised with stronger morals--i live quietly in
existance and am not a cow. When the US looks more like Soviet Russia or Communist China than the land I grew up in, I am saddened -- and frightened of my own government. "I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it. - Thomas Jefferson We must protect our vital legal rights from foreign elements Let us not waste the precious gift the
Founders left us. Try to get your friends and neighbors to THINK for themselves instead of buying into the anti-human propaganda put out by the Radical Religious Right. Just do not forget your own sense of decency! You are the people, you are the Constitution Our BRILLIANT CONSTITUTION has been ignored, allowing a drastic decline in decency and sanity in our American society. We must RECLAIM AMERICA by reclaiming our Constitution. This was
a very sad day in our American History. We should continue to fight for our freedom and our constitution. We have hurt ourselves far worse than the terrorists did through giving into our feelings of revenge and fear For democracy to work effectively, we need full-disclosure & more transparency from our government - now more than ever before! I am a proud to be an ACLU member, the best way I know of indicating how much I
treasure our civil liberties. If we give up our freedom, the terrorists have won. Stand tall against those who would take away our rights guaranteed in our Constitution! It is clear to anyone who is paying attention that this whole 9-11 business is a power and money grab by the Bush Crime Family. Most of the post 9/11 anti freedom legislation has not made us any safer. Never forget those who have fallen for our
freedom! Our freedom makes us strong, NOT our fear! Terrorism wins if our rights and liberties are lost or forgotten. The 9/11 attackers succeeded in their goal, or at least partly succeeded. As of today, we have lost the rights that made us so different than those who attacked us. Until we retake those rights and restore the constitution by overturning the abomination that is the PATRIOT Act, those who attacked us have won.
Freedom dies if fear rules! Mind your own business Big Brother. Now, in the face of fear, it is all the more important that we refuse to be ruled by it. Freedom and civil liberties aren't just for times of safety, no, they are even more important in times of fear. Our freedoms define who we are as a nation, allow them to be compromised and we cease to be Americans. I was in Cambridge
England on Sept 11,2001 and felt scared and confused as to why it happened. Ten years on I am back home in Boulder, CO. I feel that we are safer as Americans. What frightened as as people ended us uniting and strengthning us. I believe that through strength we shall overcome the defeatist mentality of the Jehadists and we will remain stronger because of it. God Speed!! Semay D.Nelson Who watches the watchers? Who punishes the punishers? These unhealthy cycles of mistrust
will only lead us to more fear and violence. If you are going to target someone blindly, target everyone. If you are going to invade our privacy, take the lead and show complete transparency (and why not? public figures should be followed on tv 24 hrs a day). And if you are going to sanction torture, get in line, you are the worser one. It's time to end the Patriot Act and restore our freedoms. For us to give up our freedoms means that the terrorists have succeeded in
their goal. "Homeland" security sounds too much like "The Fatherland" of Nazi Germany! Our constitution was created to represent all citizens of the US. Please respect it The struggle for freedom can not be won in any courtroom. It will take Americans from all walks of life seeking creative opportunities to raise our voices. Don't give in to fear! It's up to each American to ensure that
no one is ever tortured or incarcerated without due process on our behalf. The constitution is a document and framework for our country, allowing for growth and change in the human experience. It should be defended and upheld and not twisted and perverted. To the extent that we have lost Constitutional freedoms in reaction to 9/11, our attackers have won. We must defend or civil liberties. We can never be free if our hard fought
for civil liberties keep eroding with the fear we feel. We are not free if we act out of fear. The Constitution gives us equal rights to lives of civility, lawfulness and mutual respect. Responsibility to those principles gives us the freedom we all deserve. My greatest fear is the use of fear to destroy civil rights. I thank the ACLU every day for fighting for our civil liberties that changed forever ten years
ago. Our constitution protects the rights of all Americans. bin Laden got the best of us with our overreaction to 9/11. SDD Freedom is not a gift from heaven-one must fight for it every day- simon weisenthal It is time for our government to be held accountable for its actions. That is the beauty of a true democracy. When it comes to the Constitution, the majority cannot take away the
civil rights of the minority. I wish to remain standing with the ACLU in preserving and expanding the American Constitutional Right To Be Free I wish to remain standing with the ACLU in preserving and expanding the American Constitutional Right To Be Free We have gone way beyond prudent in fighting terrorism with the creation of TSA Our constitution and freedoms are sacred and make us unique. We are gradually
becoming more like those who we call enemy. Do we really want to create an environment within our country that radicals want to create worldwide? Protecting the constitution is the responsibility of all Americans-regardless of religion or political affiliation. They rule by fear, we lose our freedom. That is not acceptable. I was proud of Senator Feingold for voting against the Patriot Act, and the ensuing years have proved
over and over that he was right. This is the land of the Free. We should do everything in our power to encourage that. America is GREAT! It is critical that the United States of America defend the constitution that ALL of our forefathers fought for. As a whole; I value the freedoms in multi-cultural america from whence we have come. To continue protecting this country sustaining our cultural liberty by driving accountability and justice is crucial.
As this day approaches I have an even more heavy heart. the memories are horrific and the world we are living in is an even more disturbing than they were. May God Bless America and bring it's people together in love and prayer daily. Please consider the fact that we have people in Washington that care less about this day except to make the news with their uncaring hype. With loving thoughts for all. If we lose our Constitutional guarantees, we will
destroy ourselves from within. Don' let us fulfill Obama"s agenda for him and his like. We all need to work together to make our country strong and free. We need jobs. Interest rates on loans are extremely low, so we need to encourage investment in jobs!!!! Keep up the good work ACLU!!! If the price we pay for security is freedom, then we have neither. The best defense against terror, foreign and domestic, is a strong and vibrant
democracy defended by citizens who are aware of the need to maintain an open society. Otherwise, the terrorists win. What is happening now is not the solution but the problem. I grew up in the land of the free, home of the brave, and was taught the principles of liberty and justice. I want that for my children, too. Achieving the goals of the Constitution for all Americans is still a work in progress. Freedom of speech and action is
considered a defining element of what makes America great; despite this, it is under constant assault by people who are saints in public and snakes in private, as well as those who wear their duplicitous self-interest on their sleeves. If there is any hope of a happy future and a cooperative human race, the right to free speech must be guarded and extended whenever necessary or possible. It is long past time that we got over 9-11. We caused it. And now our gd government
has gone crazy. Kill everyone in sight they seem to be saying. And rule the world. To all those who have given their lives and those who put their own on the line may god blessings shine on your souls and I can,t even find the wotrds to express my deepest appreciation for being so selfless and brave to give me and my family the security and oppurtunity to still be proud to live in the greatest country on earth. To the families who lost a piece of their souls for what was taken
from yhem in the utmost heiness way may you find some comfort in knowing people love you and wish you all the best American Values must prevail. Stop the Bush Cheney abuses, and punish the crimes. America must keep her values intact through thick and thin, or otherwise they are not values at all, but hypocritical platitudes. America must be stronger than our collective fear. We face no greater threat than our founding fathers did, yet
they managed to create a country based on hope and liberty. Freedom is an individual and a collective state of mind and spirit. Freedom is a feeling that we can and must spread into the air. The irreplaceably necessary step toward achieving this state in the collective human consciousness is to release fear, a little every day, especially by laying down all weapons of defense in the face of our armed, thus scared, enemies. Let us stop descending to their level amd
communicate with our eyes and bodies rather than with weapons, especially firearms. People should sit up and take notice when elected officials start talking about changing the constitution because it will not allow then to do what they wish to do. This should set off a red flag that what they want to do may not be the right thing. It should be looked at very closely. Its so sad that so many Americans have been murdered due to Dick Cheny's "False
Flag" operation, known as 9/11. Stay committed to the Rights of the People. I think that it is important to remember that everything needs checks and balances, especially government agencies. It has been shown time and time again that our government is not immune to corruption and misuse of resources. We have the constitution, and all the rights therein, to insure that we are all treated fairly and equally. To give up these rights, in the name of
fear, undermines our great nation and leaves us vulnerable to persecution at our own hand. Whether or not we are afraid, we cannot let that fear cloud or judgement and allow our government to commit atrocities, no matter the cost. Because, the cost to us, as a nation and as human being, will be greater. I really hope that there will be a time, soon, when Americans will stop being complacent and content in their lives, and realize that, thought we think we are free, our freedoms are shrinking
everyday. And, I hope that we will have have the where with all to realize that, if we allow this to happen to others, someday it may be us. Freedom is what this country was founded on - freedom is what we will always stand for, freedom is what we will fight for! Freedom requires constant vigilance against those who would scare us into surrender. This country was founded on our differences. We have to celebrate them...not
fear them. I want to live in a country that respects the rights of citizens while keeping us safe. Transparency of government is essential in a democracy. The fight to maintain our civil liberties must be a guarantee of that. It is time that we all recognize we are brothers in a global community, and not enemies because we dress or talk differently. Reach out and get to know one another, it's time we all got to know each
other. 200 years ago the constitution was new, pertinent, and addressed the day with hope to guarantee freedom in the future. Those in power make more laws based on their interests and bias. We now have 200 years of laws in layers, enacted to not only protect us, but also to preclude unfortunate situations from reoccurring. Unfortunate situations will always happen and our lives are terminal. Every law we enact erodes our freedom and will never allow immortality. My wish
is to retain the basic rights we are granted by our constitution and bill of rights, and peel away many of the laws that now limit our freedom. Additionally, the politicians have always, and continue to enact ways to take a little here and a little there from the masses to fund the special interests of a few. I want my life free from the requirement of limitations every step of the way. 200 years ago, we had a strong basis. Today, our foundation is aged, looted, neglected and in need of
renovation. We continue to salute our flag and it is good. But we need to question the ability of humans to see far enough to work beyond funding the pet project of the day and the status quo. The rule makers are generally the elite privileged people who do not care about those with little. They only look to them in the time leading up to elections. Can we somehow change the status quo? Can we somehow regain our freedoms? This question is always answered prior to election time, but never brought
to fruition from the limos, paneled offices, junkets or mansions that our law makers are in when not campaigning. Fight to keep America free for all Americans, Muslim Americans, LGBT Americans, American Indians, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, All Americans. Lets replace the distortions of 9-11 with scientific process and truthful analysis. A new independent investigation of the events of 9-11 with grand jury subpoena power. Message
on PBS show on evil causing 9/22 was Absolutism of religious belief Prevent the teaching of such certainty in state sanctioned schoole to prevent brain washing. Our most precious gift to our future citizens is a commitment to the constitution Unfortunately the terrorists won. The purpose of terrorist attacks is just that: terror, to change the behavior of it's victims. This HAPPENED. We have given up a lot of freedom for almost no additional safety.
I pledge my steadfast support to all who continue to keep our precious civil liberties intact. Lest we forget what we fight for... "I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same..." Semper Fi DD's So many wrong things have been done by our government in the name of justice tand tehy won't stand the light of day. The
creation of secret agencies that exist without the public's knowledge has come to light and we must continue to fight for our civili liberties before they are completely taken away. The Constitution is mine, given to me by all Americans who came before me to uphold at all costs, even if it costs me everything. The truth of 9/11 must be told. Secrecy is guilt. The Constitution must be preserved. These greedy bullies will not make
me run away and hide. we are lost if we are less, we must be more and strengthen our core. we are the strength of the weak and the weakness of the mighty, we are Americans by birth and choice, and we have a strong voice to keep us as one, and protect us till we're done. We need to support the Consitution to overcome the crimes of the Bush Administration. You are taking away from the Constitution that you were elected to and paid
to uphold, Rejoice! See everyone as your brother and sister and think and feel peace in your heart! Guaranteeing civil liberties for all is the first requirement for real freedom. Security can never be absolute. We must have the courage to live in dangerous times. They say they are strictly following the constitution. What they really want is to destroy it and end our democracy as we know it. and those who violate our constitution (like torturing and waterboarding people) should be prosecuted....regardless of who they are. Do not target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end. Too many uniformed individuals take our civil liberties for granted. If we want to be free we must always be willing to stand strong for the Bill of Rights.We must
remain brave in the face of terrorism. For Peace I stand and for the essence of what our country is about; not the bigotry, or the lack of tolerance, nor the greed but for Justus, the inalienable rights of all men (Humans) and most of all the FREEDOM of religion as well as it's SEPARATION from state. America was founded on shared principles of freedom, not cowering in fear or accepting limitations for a hypothetical safety. Defend the
Constitution, don't re-write it for your own benefit! Freedom is for all. And condemning all for the actions of a few is reprehensible. freedom is our greatness! I continue to support the ACLU's efforts to protect the CIVIL liberties of Americans. Local Police, Firefighters and those first on the scene on 9/11/01 were told"No Room" for the politicians attending. Shame on them.They're our heroes One nation, under God. Our Constitution protects the people from an oppressive government. Now the people must protect the Constitution from the government. Remember that our Constitution makes us a free people. The only way forward is to prosecute those responsible for the loss of our freedom: the Bush Administration. Holder is mandated by law to prosecute accusations of war crimes. He must DO IT NOW! We must
protect our constitution at all costs. Our rights were greatly altered by Bush and his make "everyone afraid tactics" We must remain vigilant in the cause of freedom and the protection of our constitutional rights you never know when the freedoms and protections you give up may be used against you. What happened to the America I knew and loved? We must not let the right-wing extremists destroy this country,
because they refuse to understand the truth!!!!!!! Enough of the fear and paranoia that has been kept alive since 9/11 in order to intimidate our citizens and, little by little, lose our civil liberties and freedom. Every elected official is supposed to be working for us. We must never let them forget that. Let Peace Prevail 9/11/2001 was my 10th birthday. This year I will turn 20, and I DO NOT want to
see any group of people being persecuted or targeted on my birthday, or any other day. When fear is used by those in power to erode our righrs, who are the terrorists? At what cost.....freedom? I believe that our current political situation is distorting our constitution, and we should go back to honoring it. We should never compromise our commitment to our Constitution!!! As the husband of
an Indonesian national I have long been used to the tell tale clicks on the phone line that says "they're listening". And If that is how we are wasting our time and resources it might be better if we just do what the Constitution allows, it would be a better use of our time. ... That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these
ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, ... Protect our freedoms while protecting us from outside or extremist attacks. RESTORE THE REPUBLIC!!! WE ARE THE LAND OF THE FREE!!! AND ALWAYS WILL BE!!! THE PATRIOT ACT IS THE MOST CORRUPT ACT EVER PASSED; WITHOUT, 'WE' THE PEOPLE'S VOTES!!! G_D BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!~ With the decline in civility and the callous
disregard for human rights and basic decency, all supposedly in the name of "national security, it seems that the terrorists have won after all. The fallen would have us remember, first and last, The Bill Of Rights. Americans need to inform themselves about what's happening to freedom and justice in this land of the (supposed) free. The media are helping, but it's not enough. I especially note that the so-called Patriot Act is
unconstitutional. It is a travesty and should be repealed. The use of fear-based tactics perpetrated by our own elected officials is a disgrace. We must rise to our responsibility as voters to elect representatives who value freedom over vengeful fear-mongering and who oppose discriminatory, hurtful legislation. WE HAVE OUR FREEDOM NOT TOO CHEAP AND WE DO NEED OUR RIGHTS ALSO ALL OF THE TIME WE ARE AMERICANS AND WE DESERVE EVERY THING WE NEED FOR THIS COUNTRY TO TO LIVE IN
PEACE AND HARMONY. fear and hate go together. Democracy cannot thrive in that atmosphere. I lived for 24 years in South Africa and participated in its struggle for constitutional democracy and civil liberties in any way I could. Never did I dream that the struggle would follow me home to the USA. WE MUST NOT FALTER. Terrorism is best fought by using law enforcement, rather than by waging war. An honest transparent government can
effectively combat and prevent further tragic acts of terror. I swore an oath to protect the Constitution against all enemies; foreign and domestic in 1974. Today I still honor that oath. Sometimes I'm not so sure that the domestic enemies of the Constitution aren't stronger than the foreign enemies. Let's put fear aside. Let's go back to being the example of the world in Freedom, Human Rights and defending the Constitution. The
rights guaranteed to us by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights must be protected and defended at all costs.. They are the heart and soul of this country and without them in tact our freedoms disappear. We must be very vigilant and courageous in this time of the Patriot Act and the Kock Brothers et alia. Will America as we have known it survive or devolve into a country of patricians and serfs? Our civil rights ARE national security. The response of
the Bush administration to the events of 9/11/01 was basedm on fear. Out of fear, they justified all kinds of abuses to American civil rights. The really unfortunate thing about that response is that it gave the terrorists who committed those acts just what they wanted. by definition a terrorist is one seeking to terrorize. Resonding out of fear, as the Bush administration did said that we were terrorized. get rid of the fear,and ubdo the abuses to oue civil liberties. I
vow to honor the constitution, and fight the political system that has taken it hostage. It's shameful that unethical, duly elected government official took advantage of a horrible situation to hold our nation hostage. We have been betrayed by our own leaders. We must preserve our civil liberties which have been systematically stripped from us in the wake of 9/11. Fear must not be a motivational tool to control the masses by giving up the liberties that we, as a nation have
sworn to uphold! We need to stop holding onto false bravados of past, listen to what at least five Founding Fathers warned us against. We need to stop playing global cop, and extoling "virtue" over war. give our next generation a chance, give back our freedoms. War does not "serve" our nation. Those brave men and women belong in homland protecting us against increased disasters due to climate change. Hurricanes, eathquakes, wildfires...all more likely to cause death than a
"terrorist" attack Freedom is not defended by depriving us of it. In 1967 I swore an oath to protect this country from all enemies. I didn't put my life on the line to sit back & watch the Tea Party Terrorists take it from me! Our forefathers set a blue print for us to follow in order to protect and preserve their promise. Personal Freedom, Religious Freedom , Equality, Civil and Personal Rights for All Americans, no matter
the color of their skin, country of origin, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation or amount of money in their pockets! We cannot allow any religious groups, political groups, or greedy business industries and lobbyists to take away that promise. We cannot allow further corruption of our courts, our government, our American way of life. The ACLU speaks for me! This is not meant to be malicious nor to malign anyone but this is what I experience
everyday of my life being African American. I hope you never have to live my experience. Be diligent , fight for your rights! We are not one nation under God as long as we are at war. We need to put ourselves under God by turning our swords to plowshares and ending the wars. since 911 was engineered by bush W & HW cheney and rummy we should hold them accountable for every dollar spent on the wars and tried for treason "My
country tis of thee sweet land of liberty of thee I sing...From every mountain side let freedom ring" I wish we could all remember the sense of unity we felt during this horrific time. We will never heal as a nation until we come together. Ca 50 years ago the McCarthy era was ending and I and others refused to sign the WA state loyalty oath. It was too broad and clearly unconstitutional - the ACLU fought for us and won a Supreme Court decision in our
favor. The dangers to our constitution now 10 fold what they were then and I still depend on the ACLU. More than ever, we need to uphold our constitution. Too many are trying to misinterpret it, to hurt the very people it was designed to help. Despite the various , established intelligence agencies 10 years ago, 9/11 happened. American freedoms must not be the sacrificial goat. I still believe in "We the People...!" I
believe, with my whole heart & soul, that our Lord God would want us to stand up & fight the dogs of terrorism, whoever they are. Shall I tell you what the real evil is? To cringe to the things that are called evils, to surrender to them our freedom, in defiance of which we ought to face any suffering. Lucius Annaeus Seneca 2012 will be a"New beginning",the end of the world(as you know it)is over.The New Elite. America will
be remembered not for the war on terror but for defending the freedom of all Freedom requires the opportunity to be all that we can be. I believe that the Bush Administration took the wrong direction to eradicate the threat against us. My son served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and neither fight was worth the cost to America and Americans. I think the so called "tea party" is a real threat to our freedoms. I
think we should keep and defend the Bill of Rights. Even if Al Qaeda and the US Government have united against the Bill of Rights, let's defend our rights. It is only in being strong enough not to be afraid and being determined enough to preserve our constitutional liberties that we honor those who have died and at the same time strengthen and honor our country. It is possible to be both free and safe. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise; they'd be
lying. Keep your religion out of my government. Murder, torture, and kidnapping threaten all of us. It is outrageous and deeply troubling that the majority of perpetrators responsible for implementing and committing these acts have not been vigorously pursued and prosecuted. Mr Ciulla. Those who compromise freedom for security shall have neither! Those who would take advantage of a nation's moment of weakness
and mourning dishonor the ideals we should live up to. WE THE PEOPLE, will always fight for freedom...... Yes, I remember the palpable, strong community sense and feeling of solidarity of being an American right after the September 11 attacks, and I remember how it was then diverted into the narrow, divisive supposed patriotism leading us into war and the War on Terror and all the loss and devastaion that continue. I want to feel the patriotism I felt
right afterward, the strong sense of community, solidarity and togetherness we need now more than ever as we search for the best path to our futuer. If a military officer tells another military person that he/she must become a Christian, call an attorney and sue his ass right out of the service. We have survived many threats to our freedoms in the past without losing our liberty or our rights. To do any less now would be an insult to everyone who
has ever paid the ultimate price to secure that liberty and freedom for us all. We should not be afraid to be free Be aware of the enemy that lies within and unite through fellowship and truth to fight the good battles. No good and honorable person should be left to defend themselves against evil without the help of a friend. Repeal the Patriot Act. Uphold habeas corpus. Abolish the death penalty. We need to dump
the "Patriot Act". Or at least call it what it is: The "Surveillance Act". It's time to take our country back from the Fascist Fearmongers on the Right and Center, and return it to the Precious Civil Liberties and Rule of Law that ONLY the Left can provide! lets not forgot anyone I mean anyone especially the firefighters, police officers, and health care workers and first responders everyone has a part let people In and support our troops too we need to
end terror for good. LIVE FREE OR DIE REPEAL THE PATRIOT ACT OF 2001 Never have I seen so much fear and hatred tolerated and supported by electeds and candidates. Civil liberties are scoffed at! We must turn things around. Freedom isn't free,but paying for it with the loss of my civil liberties is not my choice of payment. 9/11 was a terrible tragedy. No one will ever say it wasn't. But that doesn't mean that our rights
and freedoms and belief in freedom and privacy should be abandoned. It is really what should be propelling us forward rather than hiding and fearing everyone who doesn't look like us or believe what we believe. Fear mongering has taken center stage and we MUST move beyond that to prove to the world that freedom and principles that we live under can and will survive! believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion,
invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end I stand in solidarity for true liberty and freedom from oppression. Our leaders owe it to us, at the very least, to return freedoms that were never for the taking in the first place. There is a complete and, to my mind, bizarre disconect between our "legislators" in Washington, D.C and 98 % of the rest of American citizens. I
just watched a video which caught House Speaker Boehner talking with V.P. Joe Biden *immediately* before President Obama gave his speech last night to a join meeting of the U.S. Congress. Biden shook hands with Boehner and told him, "We have a *lot* of work to do.", to which Speaker Beohner responded with his golf score from an outing earlier in the week in Nebraska. WHAT is going ON?!!! We must stand for our freedoms now, or they are gone for good in America. When we give up freedom to gain security we wind up with neither freedom nor security. FREEDOM MEANS EVERYTHING Freedom for ALL ! Fear is ones greatest enemy, Freedom is always the best way forward together. It's vital that we keep the line on protecting our freedoms. When people are nervous they tend to lose site of things. We never have. I would like my son to be able to stand tall and
proud to be an American when he grows up. Honoring the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is only the start. Keep up the good work ACLU! We need to be courageous not fearful. The terrorists won. Not by crashing airliners into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, but by turning the people of this country into sniveling cowards who have given up basic civil liberties and chosen to suffer gross indignities in exchange for an ephemeral image of
security. Our civil rights must not be sacrificed on the alter of national security. I joined the ACLU in 1992 because I've lived unwillingly under electronic surveillance, persons around me have been wired for sound, my personal belongings were made public, and my past has been probed without my consent. No one read me my Miranda rights, nor was I given legal counsel, a trial, etc. I'm a political prisoner in a supposedly secular democracy. I've contributed
heavily to the ACLU not because I've suddenly become a huge fan of partial-birth abortions, but because it's my conviction we're all entitled to a certain degree of privacy when we pee, defecate, copulate (licit as well as illicit sex), masturbate, etc. I believe America can be both safe and free. I reject government policies that target groups by race or religion, invade privacy through unchecked surveillance, sanction the use of torture or promote worldwide war without end.
It is ridiculous what we have to put up with from TSA officials, and as Benjamin Franklin said, "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." We can not and must not compomise our freedom in the dark hours. If we are not free, we can never be safe. Our civil liberties have gone the way of Big Government's control. We see corruption and too much power becoming a
Police State. The September 11,2001 terrorist attack still leaves me speechless. It is a true testiment of how far hatred will take men. When people blindly follow a lie against a person or a people, the results almost always ends tragicly. let the following be your test of Hatred: You can always identify when you are following lies, because a lie creates feelings of fear, distrust, and always hate. Hate is always distructive by its very nature. it ignites people to do
things that they wouldn't ordinarily do. let us never ever for get that Hate gave us 3000 deaths on September 11, 2001. lives that we can never get back. There is so much we do not know, in the excuse of "national security". What ever happened to the REAL news broadcasters who were NOT AFRAID to dig up the corruption? 9-11 seems like a slight of hand show. Point fingers in every direction but the right one... yeah, that should work :( We must maintain
our Feedoms and our Rights nad our Privacy and set an examplefor the rest of the world. I believe in freedom, and the constitution. There was a reason it was created, and it still holds true today. No threat is so great that it is worth losing our civil liberties. Our freedoms are what made us a great nation; they are our heritage and our future. We frightened ourselves as much as they wanted us to and we depleated our
resourses on unnecessary wars just like they wanted us to. Can't say we don't follow directions. We must all stand up even if a few have their civil liberties curtailed,for a sense of false security. Complacency is the greatest enemy of freedom. Did you speak up today? It is only because of actions taken in times of crisis that we examine and reexamine what the Constitution of the United States says and means, and we
rediscover who we are as Americans. "We the people" are NOT the enemy. The people should not fear their government. Government should fear the people. Thomas Jefferson We can truly fight terrorism and promote the sacred American ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice at the same time that the world looks up to our great nation for. This is indisputable. The Constitution should be left as is with no new
amendments as some career politians want. We the People can think for ourselves! If the government continues to treat its citizens as guilty before innocent, then the hijackers on 9/11 have succeeded. If we are not free, we are not the United States, no matter how safe we pretend we are. May we all find tolerance and peace. Share knowledge.Share liberty! It seems lately that the constitution is
being used and misused for personal political gain. Using fear tactics to get what they want is a terrible way to run a country. I have been proud to be an American yet I am ashamed of some of the behaviours of our Fed government and Congress specifically. The care and trust and consitturion have all been abused. Can there be safety for persons if the Constitution is not safe? the government has been chipping away at our freedom for years.Privacy
act must be abolished Politicians generating fear for political gain have caused many American citizens to abandon their freedoms for supposed security. That supposed security is costly to our way of life. We can and must do better! we must not give up our freedom the goverment must be checked America must be a safe and free country for all of its citizens, regardless of their race, creed, or religion, or lack of a
religion. We must make the Preamble the reason why we wrote this constitution in the first place. As Richard A. Clarke says in his essay on The Daily Beast: "The spending (on wars in Afghanistan and Iraq) came not only without new financial sacrifices, it came with tax cuts. The irony of this is that one of the stated goals of Al Qaeda is to lead the United States to death through a thousand cuts. In this strategy they have not been entirely unsuccessful." Add to that toll
the compromises to Americans' civil liberties and Al Qeada appears to have achieved a stunning victory. Only by shaking off our knee-jerk fear can we restore our country to its place as the land of the free and the home of the brave. because freedom can't protect itself Blood for Blood only continues the cycle of violence now is the time for peace and reconciliation. Constitutional protections continue to erode, with fear as
the enabler; never has it been more vital to join together to protect and re-establish the civil liberties on which America's freedom rests. Don't undermine the constitution in the name of "safety." I remember traveling through Shanksville, PA, one day after the attack and the sadness that prevailed ove the field. When the Bush Administration announced the Patriot Act I had two immediate thoughts, that this was Orwellian double speak and Franklin's
statement that He who trades freedom for security deserves neither I want the nation to return to the rule of law and stop acting like a renegade outlaw. It was a sad day for all Americans, but losing our civil libertys has been even worse. It's easy to talk about freedom in moments of comfort. The challenge is to act on it during moments of controversy It's easy to talk about freedom in moments of
comfort. The challenge is to act on it during moments of controversy It's in times of external or internal national danger that the defense of civil liberties and the Constitution require the greatest attention by the people. Like the scary icons used to instill fear of Communism back in the day, the Twin Towers have become the icons of fear to perpetuate the drums of war against Terror! Our unity has been tested in the fire
over the last 10 years, and we have shown ourselves more than able to rise to the challenge of defending equal rights and justice for all (cf. gay marriage now legal in 6 states). We must continue to fight against the forces that dare to divide and conquer us through fear and intolerance. President Obama is no different than former President Bush. Don't let those who distrust and despise our Constitution take it from us. Ten years after the worst
"terrorist" attack on U.S. soil, We the People have paid egregious prices for political corruption that has destroyed the Constitution. It's time to wake up and pay attention to the real enemy that has stolen the U.S. government. It's time to restore the rule of law and the U.S. constitution. The 911 attacks are being used as a reason to impose a Police State in our nation. The measures that have been enacted for "security" purposes since September
11th have not been enacted to keep America safe. They've been enacted for no other reason than because the "leaders" would rather turn America into a police state than to enact any real policies designed to foster true security and prosperity for all. The PATRIOT ACT, A most UNPATRIOTIC ACT!!!Unalienable rights removed??? The two wars have almost bankrupted the country, the terrorists were smart, let's not let them win,think before you vote.
The US has been hailed as the country where "The Rule of Law" stands supreme . We must return to this ideal, or loose our role as the worlds leader in Good Governance ! The USA has become too much of a police state. We cannot long remain a democracy at home, while acting as an imperialist power abroad! We must defend our freedom against those who would use current events as an excuse to steal it away.
We need to protect our righs as well as our freedoms When times get tough we always seem to be ready to give up our civil liberties and our great American traditions. History proves that that is never the right response. It is time to forget the politicians and the corporations and begin an American dialogue about what is really important and how we can become peacemakers. We must do that to preserve the future of our country and of the world
community. We will earn our freedom when we insist that all those who live in our country are entitled to the same opportunities and privileges as those who were born into provilege and wealth. What is the ACLU going to do to stand up to the bipartisan blockade that prevents the truths of abuses of the Patriot Act (and prior) from discovery? Our civil rights and their protection are basic to our way of life.
The time to stand up and speak out for your civil liberities is when the rights of others are undermined or violated. We must continue to be vigilant, to protect the US Constitution from the enemies within our country! AT THIS TIME WE NOW NEED TO PROTECT PRIVACY AGAINST warrantless wire taps given without any colaboration and constituition By losing our freedoms under the guise of "homeland security," we
become diminished as Americans with the lose of our Constitutional rights. They wanted to destroy the freedom of a country, and they have succeeded. I cannot fly without being groped, all of our electronic messages are intercepted, and the books buy are reported to the government. They won. I believe in justice and freedom. They are part of our human rights and cannot be ignored or sacrificed and we will never compromise our freedoms. |
The ancient technique of cock bending is my only hope
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