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• Monday, June 9, 2008 03:06 PM

  Candidates must be clear on civil liberties

  Editorial, Chicago Sun Times, June 9, 2008

  When the history of the Bush presidency is written, he will be excoriated for two great offenses to the American people: Twisting the truth to rally us into an unnecessary war and playing on fear to savage our civil liberties.

  The first job of the next president will be to end that war without abandoning Iraq to an even bloodier civil war. But equally pressing will be the job of restoring America's commitment to civil liberties and human rights -- values that have made this country a beacon of freedom for more than 200 years.

  Where do Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama stand on civil liberties? At one time, we thought we knew. But no longer.

  Until three days ago, we were under the impression that McCain believed in strict limits on presidential powers, even in matters of national security. That has been McCain's message for months: even in the fight against terrorism he would obey statutory restrictions.

  But on Friday, the New York Times reported that a McCain adviser says the senator would take a more sweeping view of executive authority, specifically condoning the wiretapping of international phone calls by Americans without a court warrant.

  Now we're not sure where McCain stands, although we know where we stand: Four-square in defense of civil liberties, our American birthright, even in dangerous times -- especially in dangerous times. If we become our enemies to defeat our enemies, they win.

  When McCain and Obama meet in townhall meetings and debates, among the first issues they should thrash out are civil liberties and human rights.

  Where do the two candidates stand on the vile practice of torture, including waterboarding? Do they stand with the Geneva Convention and most civilized nations? Or with the tyrants?

  Where do they stand on the vile practice of extraordinary rendition, in which the CIA flies terrorism suspects to secret prisons in foreign lands, where the suspects can be tortured free of American law?

  Where do they stand on the vile practice of holding terrorism suspects without charge for years, not even allowing them to go before a judge to challenge their detention?

  America needs a president who is guided by principles, not fear.

  —Retired Military Patriot Read Retired Military Patriot's other letters
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