Whose Liberties Are We Fighting For?

A few weeks ago the media disclosed "secret" prisons overseas, where the CIA apparently has been holding baddies. That disclosure will lead to "investigations," which probably will lead to the end of the "secret" prison program.

In the past few days we have had:

• the disclosure of selective, warrantless NSA intercepts authorized in the aftermath of 9/11

• a "victory" for those who oppose the use of torture, apparently under any condition

• the Senate's refusal (thus far) to extend a few provisions of the Patriot Act that are set to expire December 31.

What we have here is a concerted effort to hinder the U.S. government's efforts to detect and thwart terrorist plots. All of this sensitivity about "civil liberties" (including the "liberties" of our enemies) reminds me of the complacency that we felt before 9/11.

What will it take to shake us from that complacency? You know what it will take: a successful terrorist attack in the U.S. that might have been prevented had the media and "civil libertarians" not been so successful in their efforts to protect "civil liberties."

If the media and "civil libertarians" really cared about civil liberties they would not be in favor of vast government programs that suppress social and economic freedoms. They are the enemies of liberty, and -- thanks to them -- innocent Americans probably will die.

The legitimate function of the state is to protect its citizens from predators and parasites, it is not -- as the left and its dupes would have it -- to protect predators and parasites.