Political Quotes

“the 9/11 Commission recognized that one of the biggest challenges we face in fighting the war on terrorism is protecting civil liberties. The Commission said, ``While protecting our homeland, Americans should be mindful of threats to vital personal and civil liberties. This balancing is no easy task, but we must constantly strive to keep it right.'' To help keep this balance right, the Commission wisely recommended the creation of a board to ensure that the Government does not violate privacy or civil liberties. Following this recommendation, the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 establishes the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. I want to commend Senator Collins and Senator Lieberman for recognizing the importance of this issue. The 9/11 Commission has endorsed the Collins-Lieberman Board. Commissioners Slade Gorton and Richard Ben-Veniste told the House Government Reform Committee: ``A Board of the kind we recommend can be found in the Collins-Lieberman bill in the Senate.'' Some have claimed that establishing this board will tilt the balance between security and liberty too far in favor of liberty. I disagree. As the 9/11 Commission said, ``The choice between security and liberty is a false choice.'' We can be both safe and free. Throughout American history, in times of war, we have sacrificed liberty in the name of security. Now, we are being tested again.…”