Liberals vs. Conservatives re: civil liberties

Bill O'Reilly has correctly pointed out that a key difference between liberals and conservatives is that conservatives are realists with regard to law enforcement re: terrorism, while liberals are idealists.

The argument goes that a conservative would rather give authorities additional liberties to use their power, with the understanding that we as Americans have to trust them to use it appropriately. Liberals, on the other hand, fundamentally distrust the concept of giving additional liberties to authorities, on the theory that the best way to preserve the liberties of all is to make sure the authorities have as little legal power over us as citizens as possible.

This is an interesting and completely valid argument, and brings out one of the best, most honest differences in philosophy between conservatives and liberals.

My view is that what has made America strong has been our strong dedication to preserving the liberties of our citizens, at any cost. Exceptions and circumstances may dictate deviations from such liberties, but such deviations need be made with as much consensus from citizens and the government as possible. These days, we have little such consensus- and I do not believe it's purely because we're so polarized politically.

We are in a war against people who hate America and want to destroy it. It has never been more important to remember and reinforce what America is. Doing so will make us safer in the long term.