Archive: Opinions

Our nation is at war.  Since 2001, our country has been fighting a war against an ideology that has as its ultimate goal the defeat of western society and its replacement with a brand of Islamic Fundamentalism that is simply quite frightening.  It would replace all forms of democracy and freedom with an interpretation of Islamic Law that most Muslims find frightening as well.

The forces behind this extremism have many names:  Al Qaeda and Taliban are just two of the many groups which have formed during the past twenty five years.  They are located in regions of the world so remote and underdeveloped that they have gone unnoticed by many.  Waziristan, Kandahar, and Nurestan were regions of the world known only to geography professors and contestants on Jeopardy.  Now, they are labeled “safe havens” for extremists and those who support their idea of a theocracy.

For us, these regions are places where our young men and women are fighting to win the war on terror.  They risk their lives so we can live ours in safety and without fear of another 9/11 attack.  For some, they give the ultimate sacrifice on the field of battle, their lives, and for this, we are indeed grateful.

The war on terror is also being fought at home.  Since the September 11, 2001 attack, our nation has enacted new laws and adopted many practices to insure that such an event will never happen again.  From border crossings along the Canadian and Mexican borders to the way we travel, we have become a nation on alert with the Department of Homeland Security overseeing our domestic security.

With the assistance of many dedicated law enforcement officials, attacks by Al Qaeda and others linked to them have been thwarted in this country.   The most recent success came with the arrest of Naijbullah Zazi.  Mr. Zazi, an alleged member of Al Qaeda, had purchased various chemicals and other products from beauty supply stores with the intention of making a bomb.  He had hoped to blow up a building in New York City.

Now, local and state governments are calling upon citizens to report any suspicious behavior or activity.  In Los Angeles, Police Chief William Bratton has developed the “iWatch” program to provide a way for vigilant citizens to help fight the war on terror.  He calls the program the 21st century version of the Neighborhood Watch.

On the surface, the program seems like a terrific idea.  Suspicious behavior and unusual purchases ought to be reported.  But how far should we go in reporting what can become very subjective?  Do we rely on our “gut” instinct?  Are we going to be open minded about our vigilance keeping an eye out for any and all suspicious behavior?  Or will we tend to focus on individuals wearing foreign clothing such as baggie pants and head coverings.  Are all men with beards potential terrorists especially if they are purchasing certain products?  Where do we draw the line?

For example, if I observe my neighbor, who happens to speak with a heavy accent, working late at night in his garage, wearing a mask, and mixing some sort of chemicals, should I report this as suspicious?  Is this a potential terrorist in my own backyard?!  Perhaps he might be an inventor, antique car enthusiast repairing a classis automobile or nutty professor simply having fun in his workshop.  Timothy McVeigh was American as apple pie.  It would be difficult to fit him into any profile, yet he was responsible for one of the most horrendous acts of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history.

In the 1950’s, Senator Joseph McCarthy along with other extremists, established the House Committee on Un-American Activities.  Through the diligence of his committee and other like-minded organizations, he uncovered such threats to our way of life as President Dwight D. Eisenhower and hundreds of other Americans considered persons of interest including the actor Will Geer, the man who played Grandpa on the television show, The Waltons.

During times of war, we should all be vigilant, but not at the cost of our ruining the lives of perfectly innocent Americans.  Our history demonstrates a very poor record of surveillance at home.  Native Americans, Immigrants, and even citizens such as the Japanese Americans forced into camps during World War II, have been the victims of our good intentions to make the homeland safe and secure.

The “iWatch” program is a frightening reminder of extremist activity perpetrated by well-intentioned individuals right in our own back yard.  Labeling, stereotyping and spying on our neighbors because of what we perceive to be suspicious or unusual behavior makes us no better than those who wish to destroy our way of life.  So keep your eyes focused on the fall colors and migrating birds, and we’ll all feel a lot safer.  And that is to the point.

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