Freedom vs. Security essays

Freedom vs. Security essays On September 11th, 2001, an attack was made on The United States of America. Nineteen terrorists boarded and hijacked four passenger airlines, and used them as weapons against buildings in New York and Washington D.C. The fourth plane was brought down in rural Pennsylvania. Over 3,000 lives were lost in these attacks, and many more were ruined by the loss of family, friends, and coworkers. To prevent a reoccurrence of the events of 9-11-01, security policies have been changed, new measures taken, and national awareness heightened. However, new security measures have a tendency to take away some of our civil liberties as citizens of a democracy. This atrocity brought about a new debate within our nation and its leaders. Some say individual freedoms can be sacrificed for the sake of safety. Others strongly disagree and claim that is a disgrace to our constitution, history and country to take such measures. I agree with those who support heightened security, despite some of the constraints that may be placed on certain liberties. After the attacks of September 11th, soldiers of the National Guard have been on station in the airports across the nation. Soldiers pacing around an airport garbed in full battle gear, armed with automatic rifles is a new sight for most American citizens. However, if one were to travel to almost any other country in the world, (especially in Europe) this sight would be a common, everyday reality. This is something that we Americans should adjust to, for our own safety. Some believe that military presence in a civilian setting represents the characteristics of a socialist, communist, or totalitarian regime, and not that of a free democracy. This is not necessarily true; for freedom comes at a price. I dont mind if soldiers must be stationed on all means of public transit, including airports, if it means they are less likely to be attacked by terrorists, and prev ...