In the days ahead, we will all be reflecting on the decade that has passed since the attacks of September 11, 2001. Foremost in our minds, of course, are the people who died and were injured on that horrendous day. At ACLU headquarters here in New York, just blocks from Ground Zero, they are never far from our thoughts.
Ten years ago, people across the country came together and a newfound sense of patriotism emerged. But, in the days that followed, too many of our leaders took advantage of that sense of patriotism to push through policies that directly defied American values, broke our laws, and undermined our Constitution.
Not a day has gone by over the last 10 years when the ACLU has not insisted that America can — indeed, must — be both safe and free. While others said that we had to sacrifice civil liberties in the name of security, you and the ACLU led the fight against a myriad of "war on terror" abuses, from torture and indefinite detention, to warrantless eavesdropping, extraordinary rendition, and racial profiling.
Join us in commemorating this solemn anniversary by recommitting to stand up for freedom and by also sharing your thoughts about the importance of defending the Constitution in times of crisis.
In America, protecting our fundamental freedoms is every individual’s task. I want to thank you for standing with the ACLU as hundreds of thousands of people across America reconfirm their commitment to an America we can believe in.
Thank you for all your support and for coming together in this critical moment.
 | Sincerely, Anthony D. Romero Executive Director, ACLU |
Ten years after 9/11, the ACLU joins all Americans in remembering the unspeakable losses suffered on that tragic day. The 10th anniversary of 9/11 provides an opportunity to reflect on the turbulent decade behind us, and to recommit ourselves to values that define our nation, including justice, due process, and the rule of law.
Give NowIn the early days after the attacks, we were reminded that America is not only the land of the free, but also the home of the brave. On the evening of attacks, President Bush addressed the nation, and stated, “Our country is strong. Terrorist acts can shake the foundation of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America.”
We could not have imagined that in the decade to follow, our country would engage in policies that directly defied American values and undermined our Constitution. We lost our way when, instead of addressing the challenge of terrorism consistent with our values, our government chose the path of torture and targeted killing, of Guantánamo and military commissions, of warrantless government spying and the entrenchment of a national surveillance state, all of which now define the post-9/11-era. That is not who we are, or who we want to be.
Ten years later, our nation still faces the challenge of remaining both safe and free.
The way forward lies in decisively turning our backs on the policies and practices that violate our greatest strength: our Constitution and the commitment it embodies to the rule of law. It is that strength which is the best rejoinder our nation has to violence and to those who advocate it. Liberty and security do not compete in a zero-sum game; our freedoms are the very foundation of our strength and security. Consistent application of the law is what ensures that practices don't change simply because of a change in the White House.
Our choice is not between safety and freedom; in fact it is our fundamental values that are the very foundation of our strength and security.
Make a Difference
Your support helps the ACLU stand up for human rights and defend civil liberties.We could not have imagined that in the decade to follow, our country would engage in policies that directly defied American values and undermined our Constitution. We lost our way when, instead of addressing the challenge of terrorism consistent with our values, our government chose the path of torture and targeted killing, of Guantánamo and military commissions, of warrantless government spying and the entrenchment of a national surveillance state, all of which now define the post-9/11-era. That is not who we are, or who we want to be.
Ten years later, our nation still faces the challenge of remaining both safe and free.
The way forward lies in decisively turning our backs on the policies and practices that violate our greatest strength: our Constitution and the commitment it embodies to the rule of law. It is that strength which is the best rejoinder our nation has to violence and to those who advocate it. Liberty and security do not compete in a zero-sum game; our freedoms are the very foundation of our strength and security. Consistent application of the law is what ensures that practices don't change simply because of a change in the White House.
Our choice is not between safety and freedom; in fact it is our fundamental values that are the very foundation of our strength and security.
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