James S. Gilmore III

The Sept. 11 attacks raised a clear and present danger to Americans here at home. Since then, many reforms have enhanced security, including a major reorganization of the intelligence community and the creation of the Homeland Security Department. Many government officials are well aware that if there

What is the duty of the government executive in a time of crisis and foreign attack? If it is to protect the people no matter what the cost, we begin the dark descent down a hazardous road. The goal of our society and its greatest leaders must be to preserve the safety of the people and to protect their civil freedoms and way of life. Americans have always placed a higher value on liberty than others around the world. This stems from our history of fearlessly shaping a new continent and the value on independence that made it possible. We should not allow terrorists to change us so that we lose this aspect of our national character and confidence.