The Real Terror of the Bush Years

Okay, I am reading The New York Times' review of Eric Lichtblau's Bush’s Law . Then I get to these paragraphs and I just find them scary.

"James Ziglar, the relatively obscure head of the Immigration and Naturalization Service when terrorists struck on 9/11, worried about such miscues and overreactions. Hours after the attacks, he joined other top law enforcement and intelligence officials in the F.B.I.’s top-secret Strategic Information Operations Center, headquarters for the government’s domestic response. When Ziglar heard proposals for mass sweeps in Muslim communities like Dearborn, Mich., he grew concerned.

“I know you’re not a lawyer,” he remarked to John Ashcroft’s chief of staff, “but we do have this thing called the Constitution.” “The table grew quiet, faces tightening around it,” Lichtblau says, as Ziglar expanded on his tutorial. Finally, he declared, “The I.N.S. won’t be involved.” Ziglar was soon forced out, but not before enduring some humiliating moments."

These are our government officials doing this. Figuring out how to violate the rights of citizens. Bulking up the power of government. Yes, we should be very scared. No, good intentions are not enough. Take a look at what paves that road to hell. Remember the ends do not justify the means.