Get Involved!
Arab Americans & Civil Liberties
Posted on Wednesday October 8, 2008
Arab Americans and Civil Liberties
Jump to Barack Obama
Jump to John McCain
Arab Americans are immigrants and the descendants of immigrants who are now celebrating more than 100 years as an American community. A diverse people numbering more than three million, the community traces its heritage to more than 20 Arab countries.
Today, the issues facing Arab Americans are defined by the successes enjoyed by our community in this country, as well as the challenges. In the aftermath of September 11th, Arab Americans, like all Americans, became even more dedicated to protecting the United States from further attack, but also believe that this important goal can be achieved without threatening the civil liberties of any American. Consequently, in the 2008 elections, many Arab Americans will be guided by their reaction to these post-9/11 policies, in the domestic and foreign spheres.
Of particular concern have been a number of provisions of the PATRIOT Act, the sweeping anti-terrorism legislation passed in the emotional weeks following September 11th, which have greatly increased the government’s powers of search and seizure; racial profiling, selective law enforcement, the use of secret evidence, indefinite detention, lack of due process, refusal of the right of habeas corpus; and absence of regular judicial review, congressional oversight, sunset provisions, or formal reporting procedures regarding all relevant federal departments and agencies.
McCain has a demonstrated record of ensuring national security while upholding constitutional rights and freedoms. McCain understands that Arab Americans, like all Americans, are dedicated to protecting the United States from future terrorist attacks, but that this important goal can be achieved without threatening the civil liberties of all Americans. In the aftermath of September 11th, John McCain fought for the creation of an independent 9/11 Commission to identify how to best address the terrorist threat and decrease our domestic vulnerability. He fought for the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security and the creation of the U.S. Northern Command with the specific responsibility of protecting the U.S. homeland. McCain has called for Guantanamo to be shut down and for the prisoners to be transferred to a facility in the United States. McCain has sponsored anti-torture legislation; advocates for America to have the quality intelligence necessary to uncover terror plots before they take root; the resources to protect critical infrastructure and our borders against attack; and the capability to respond and recover from a terrorist incident swiftly. McCain promises to lead with the understanding that to impinge on the rights of our own citizens or restrict the freedoms for which our nation stands would be to give terrorists the victory they seek. McCain Q&A with the Boston Globe, Wiretapping ABC Interview with George Stephanopoulos, November 2007 Remarks to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, March 2008 Arab Americans for McCain Official WebsiteMcCain, National Security and Civil Liberties
Links to Select Remarks Addressing Civil Liberties
Obama and Civil Liberties
Obama has a demonstrated record of defending civil liberties. Obama has taught the Constitution, and believes in the Constitution; he worked as a civil rights lawyer and will work to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.
Obama understands that Arab Americans, like all Americans, are dedicated to protecting the United States from future terrorist attacks, but that this important goal can be achieved without threatening the civil liberties of all Americans.
Obama has worked to promote civil rights and fairness in the criminal justice system throughout his career. He believes that our intelligence and law enforcement community should have the powers necessary to preserve our national security without undermining our commitment to the rule of law, or our basic rights and liberties.
Obama wants America to lead by example; by maintaining the highest standards of civil liberties and human rights; closing Guantanamo and restoring habeas corpus; and banning torture.
Links to Select Remarks Addressing Civil Liberties
2004 DNC Speech
Obama Floor Statement Michael Hayden Nomination
