Defense, Liberty, And The Constitution: Exploring The Critical National Security Issues Of Our Time

"We the People..." "To provide for the common defense...and secure the blessings of liberty."

These vital phrases in the Constitution represent essential, but often conflicting, demands on the government of the United States. We have constantly witnessed the critical tension between the concepts of defense and liberty during the last four years while the government, the courts, the media and the nation have attempted to meet the new challenges of the twenty-first century. The questions that must be answered are not easy: - When should the government be able to conduct electronic surveillance against U.S. citizens and foreign nationals? - Should suspected terrorists and combatants be provided the full range of constitutional rights? - What are the permissible bounds of interrogation when faced with a potentially deadly attack? - Can race or ethnicity ever be considered by the government in deciding who or what to search? - How do we ensure that the president has the flexibility to use the military to quickly eliminate national security threats while preserving the right of the people, through their representatives, to decide upon war or peace?

We have heard the rapid sound bytes and read the headlines reflecting the partisan proclamations of left and right on these and other important national security issues. But rarely has anyone taken the time to objectively review what the law and the constitution actually do require and how such problems have been handled throughout our history. Professor Sievert has done so with a clear, direct and honest narrative. Each chapter not only provides legitimate and useful answers to today’s questions, but serves as an insightful guide to the solutions of the future.

Ron Sievert obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Bonaventure University in 1970 and, after serving four years as a military officer, graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1977. He has more than twenty years of actual experience working on law enforcement, intelligence, and national security issues, and has received numerous awards for his efforts. Since 1999 he has taught a popular course on U.S. Law and National Security as a visiting professor at the University of Texas School of Law. Mr. Sievert is a nationally recognized speaker on current topics related to both law enforcement and national defense.