Gingrich: Trading Freedom for Security

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's service on the infamous "Continuity of Government" commission showed he had no respect for the structure of republican government created by the drafters of the Constitution.  Now Newt reveals he has no respect for the Bill of Rights either.

Speaking in New Hampshire on Monday, Newt proposed creating a "different set of rules" regarding free speech in order to stop terrorists from using the Internet to find new recruits.  However, plotting terrorists acts or recruiting "volunteers" to join terrorists groups are already illegal and are not considered constitutionally-protected speech.  So why does Newt think we need to change the First Amendment?  Perhaps a clue is found when he says the Internet can be used by potential terrorists to "get their message out."  Thus, Newt appears to be saying the government should have the ability to censor political speech that is associated with terrorist organizations.

The potential this gives the government to silence critics of government policy is staggering.  Under the Newt doctrine, critics of the Iraq war could be silenced since terrorists also oppose the war.  A future liberal administration could also use this to silence pro-lifers on the grounds that criticizing abortion helps bombers of abortion clinics ("domestic terrorists") gain new recruits. These concerns are all the more valid considering the PATRIOT Act's broad definition of "terrorism" could easily encompass peaceful political activities and how federal authorities have been spying on anti-war protesters. Ironically, Newt's remarks where made at a dinner celebrating champions of the First Amendment!

Looks like the "groundswell" Gingrich hopes to create to propel him into the White House will bury what remains of our liberty and constitutional government.

"Gingrich raises alarm at event honoring those who stand up for freedom of speech"  Union Leader, 11/28/06

Richard Wilkins

P.S.  Separated at birth?