AVAILABILITY: Usually ships within 2-5 days

Publication Date: 2006
Publisher: New Press
Binding: Paperback
Topics: Corporate Rule, Crime & Punishment, Democracy: Theory & Practice, History: Local to Global, Militarism, Race & Civil Rights, Social Movements, United States, Visioning the Future

Description: In a vivid and important critique of our government's response to terrorist threats, two leading constitutional scholars warn that many anti-terrorism efforts needlessly sacrifice civil liberties without effectively protecting national security. Cole and Dempsey contend that in its response to the attacks of September 11, the Bush administration has already repeated many of the worst mistakes of the past, and is unlikely to make Americans more secure. By comparing recent anti-terrorism legislation to previous law enforcement abuses - from anti-Communist measures of the 1950s to FBI spying on civil rights activists in the 1960s, and the investigation and harassment of critics of U.S. foreign policy in the 1980s and 1990s - the authors make a compelling case that today's anti-terrorism activity expands the powers of the FBI and other agencies in ways that are neither necessary nor desirable in a free society. The book concludes with an extended, detailed blueprint that shows how we can fight terrorism without relying on guilt by association, secret proceedings, and unchecked intrusions on privacy, and how we will be safer in the long run if we adhere to these basic democratic principles.

David Cole is a professor of law at Georgetown University, legal commentator for NPR's All Things Considered, and the author of 'No Equal Justice'. James Dempsey is deputy director at the Center for Democracy and Technology.

Review(s): "A most useful book on a delicate subject." - Gore Vidal

"Should be read by anyone who cares about civil liberties." - Victor Navasky, The Nation

"I heartily recommend this book to all concerned with the protection of our traditional liberties." - John Conyers Jr.

"I encourage every person concerned about civil liberties in times of crisis to read this important book." - Senator Ted Kennedy