By Doug Bandow
The American people know who poses the greatest threat to their liberties. The federal government. CNN reports on the results of a new poll:
A majority of Americans think the federal government poses a threat to rights of Americans, according to a new national poll.
Fifty-six percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Friday say they think the federal government’s become so large and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens. Forty-four percent of those polled disagree.
People are right to fear Uncle Sam’s reach. Yet nothing seems to change. President Barack Obama just signed an extension of President George Bush’s PATRIOT Act. Federal spending rises, irrespective of who is in charge. Old wars continue and new wars get started by Republican and Democratic presidents alike.
It’s time for a transpartisan coalition to protect our liberties. Now. Unfortunately, the threats will only continue to grow: it is imperative that we act to defend our republic and the Constitution upon which it is based.
Doug Bandow, American Conservative Defense Alliance