Capsule Book Review:
Terrorism and the Constitution
by David Cole and James Dempsey (2002)
First published in the spring 2003 issue of The Insurgent
As George Bush and Congress continue the trend from the Clinton years
of expanding government police powers and curtailing civil liberties
in the name of fighting terrorism, this book provides an important critique
and thorough history of such tactics.
Cole and Dempsey thoroughly document federal intimidation and disruption
of peaceful political activities from the Red Scare of the 1950s to
Palestine activists in the 1990s.
While dissecting the problems with investigations based on politics
instead of criminal activity, the authors also offer solid suggestions
for genuine security improvements. Terrorism and the Constitution is
an important read as Americans face the prospect of more radical expansions
of presidential, military, and police power.
See our feature articles on Civil Rights and Liberties
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