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Fred Thompson on Civil Liberties and Domestic Security
This candidate has withdrawn from the election
"The first responsibility of government is to protect the American people, the homeland, and our way of life. Today we face the urgent threat of radical Islamic terrorists. Al Qaeda is committed to attacking us here at home, and wants to use weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to kill millions. We must never give them that opportunity. We must defeat the terrorists abroad, and that begins in Iraq and Afghanistan - the central fronts in this global war."
"So far he has given no suggestion that he breaks with the Bush administration on important issues like habeas corpus, torture, and surveillance. (9/12/2007)"
Thompson voted in favor of "roving wiretaps" that would allow government officials to wiretap one's home if a person under investigation visits the home - even if one had no knowledge the person was a suspect.
Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act of 1995 S. 735 [104th] ; Number 1996-071 on April 17, 1996
Thompson voted NO on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. Motion to table (kill) the amendment that would provide that in order to conduct roving surveillance, the person implementing the order must ascertain that the target of the surveillance is present in the house or is using the phone that has been tapped.
Bill S1510 ; vote number 2001-300 on Oct 11, 2001
"We understand that the Western world is in an international struggle with jihadists who see this struggle as part of a conflict that has gone on for centuries, and who won't give up until Western countries are brought to their knees. I agree with this view. I believe that the forces of civilization must work together with common purpose to defeat the terrorists who for their own twisted purposes have murdered thousands, and who are trying to acquire technology to murder millions more."
"the same rules ought to apply to him [Osama Bin Laden] as to everyone at Guantanamo Bay, and there ought to be due process through a special military court or commission."
"For anyone to suggest that we shouldn't squeeze out every last bit of intelligence information has absolutely no understanding how to fight a long term global war on terrorism," spokesman Todd Harris said. "It would be very dangerous for the long-term security of our country to not try to milk bin Laden for every ounce of information he has."