waragainstterrorism

As I write this article, President Bush is trying to obtain congressional backing (financial / legal) in order to undertake a long-term war against terrorism. He argues that as the leader of the free world, the US will fight against those who threaten our values of democracy and freedom. Although I completely agree that the authors of the terrorist actions in NY and Washington should be punished, I am also very hesitant to give the president complete authority to undertake this task. Lets not forget that based on the same argument of protecting democracy and freedom, the United States during the cold war engaged in actions that clearly violated human rights both domestically and abroad.

My intention is not to compare terrorism and communism, but to compare the reaction of the US government confronted with perceived national security threats. Similar to the cold war era, the reaction of the US has the potential to breach the civil rights of Americans and the human rights of many other populations.

Will there be a witch-hunt against all Muslims, assumed to be terrorist? Will we hear panic politicians demanding policies violating civic rights?

"CONGRESS MEMBERS, I HOLD IN MY HANDS A LIST THAT CONTAINS THE NAMES OF 500 ARAB TERRORIST THAT LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES.
We need to act; and act NOW!!
The US government needs to arrest these people and deport them as soon as possible if we want to prevent further attacks on the American people.
In addition, in order to secure the safety of all peace-loving Americans and protect innocent Muslim Americans the US government should require all Arab-Americans to register into government administrated facilities that would be set-up during the war against terrorism"

Will the US increase its support (financial / military) of oppressive governments for the sake of eradicating terrorist cells?

--"Mr. President, we need to provide assistance to General Gutierrez and its men. Their attempts to overthrow President Carrillo have failed miserably based on the lack of appropriate military equipment, lack of