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| For Immediate Release | |
| Sep 19, 2001 | Contact: Press Office 202-646-5172 |
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BUT AMERICANS MUST BE CAREFUL TO PROTECT PRIVACY AND OTHER CIVIL RIGHTS OF LAW ABIDING CITIZENS IN WAKE OF TERRORIST ATTACKS (Washington, DC) Judicial Watch, the public interest law firm that investigates and prosecutes government abuse and corruption, supports President Bush’s declaration of a national state of emergency, and the use of federal and state power to root out and destroy terrorist cells both here and abroad. Indeed, for the last nine years Judicial Watch has been warning government authorities, and the American people, that we could not continue to neglect the nation’s security concerns. During the Clinton Administration in particular, a corrupt government put a priority on defending itself against scandal, and lied to the American people. In this way, President Clinton, his administration, and the Democratic Party could retain control of The White House in the face of impeachment and possible conviction for “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Now, with the unprecedented, vicious attack on American citizens at the World Trade Center and Pentagon, a state of emergency has correctly been declared. To combat future terrorism, there is talk about expanding federal wiretap and Internet surveillance authority. Even President Clinton’s wife, Hillary Clinton, now Senator from New York, and a liberal, last Sunday talked about relaxing constitutional protections as an acceptable means to combat terrorism. “Judicial Watch believes that, in a state of emergency, stricter measures of law enforcement are required to protect the nation in a time of crisis. These measures must be applied against suspected terrorists and others, such as those who gained entry into this country illegally and who threaten our security. We should also realize that there exists the potential that the federal government and state authorities could apply these new powers against their political and other adversaries, as a means to hold on to power, or to further their own ends. Were Bill and Hillary Clinton still the occupants of The White House -- living under a state of siege due to their scandals and impeachment -- this would have been a distinct possibility. No matter who occupies The White House, however, Judicial Watch will monitor and, if necessary, act to ensure that the privacy and other civil rights of law abiding American citizens are respected. Judicial Watch hopes and has reason to believe that the Bush Administration will act differently than the Clinton Administration, which misappropriated and misused thousands of FBI and other government files of American citizens to violate their privacy rights and harm them,” stated Judicial Watch Chairman and General Counsel Larry Klayman. “Judicial Watch supports the full prosecution of terrorism, while protecting Americas liberties. As always, the proper balance must be struck,” added Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “We must not succumb to evil,” stated Judicial Watch National Advisor and Director of its Southwestern Regional Office Russ Verney. |
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