Letter: Safety supersedes nonessential freedom

Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006 | 7:36 a.m.

Here we go again. The cycle has begun. High-value, targeted al-Qaida terrorists were killed the previous week in a U.S.-led airstrike in Pakistan. I bet U.S. intelligence operatives are looking at the terrorists' possessions at the time of death. They might even find phone numbers that terminate here in the United States.

Those numbers will probably be forwarded to the National Security Agency where they will be "exploited" -- in the terms used by our intelligence community. And President Bush will not even seek a court-ordered warrant.

From the news media, I believe the description of the event is accurate. If my hypothetical about NSA is correct, then surely there will be continued calls to impeach Bush because he continues to "spy" on Americans.

Anyone who understands security knows it involves "trade-offs." The public, at large, gives up a little (usually nonessential) freedom in return for an effective terrorist-threat countermeasure.

Here's one voter who stands with Bush! Thanks to our great, noble U.S. forces that conducted the successful airstrike. And thanks to the NSA and all who work hard to keep the United States from harm.

Elbert W. Lemmon

North Las Vegas