These are all terms that in recent years have become increasingly common vocabulary in the area of transnational issues, namely terrorism. As Congressional panels and hearings begin, looking into practices of the last administration of 'acquiring' vital intelligence, a tough scenario is presented to society.
On the one hand, citizens demand, and have a right to a continuous way of life. They want to be safe and secure in the knowledge that their governments are protecting them, their quality of life, and American ideals from external aggressions and attacks. The common adages of 'do whatever it takes' and 'no matter the cost' come to mind. Has the public involuntarily granted the government carte blanche in order to remain safe and secure? There are calls for justice, investigations, prosecution. And these calls may very well be justified, but it could be seen as an attack on those whom the public empowered to protect the population.
On the other hand, one could understand an basic conflict between the American ideals being protected, and the methods employed to protect them. Some may ask, 'what is the point of protecting those ideals we hold dear, that maintain our comfortable way of life, if in the process the methods employed go in face of those same ideals?'
It is a situation that will, undoubtedly, be a prime matter during the first years of the current administration, while memories of the past are still fresh in the minds of the public, advocacy and lobby groups, and members of Congress.
