"Liberalism is not a death wish" - no comments

Eric posts an article by Tamar Meisels, entitled "How Terrorism Upsets Liberty", which tries to argue the liberal case for firm government action against terrorism, perhaps including detention without trial and ID cards. Some key points from the conclusion:

However paradoxical, those who fear government the most must guarantee it sufficient power to effectively protect its citizenry. After all, if it cannot discharge this minimal obligation, why endure its burdens at all?
...
Any potential curtailment of liberty can be justified only if it is reasonably estimated to be both necessary for and effective in enhancing public safety.

I have to say that I'm very dubious about this argument. However, I'll give it some thought (it's too late tonight) and come up with something later. In the meantime, have a look at the extracts yourself, or get down to your local University library and look for the latest copy of Political Studies for the full text.