Iowa Congressman Tom Latham says the arrest of the ringleaders of a plot to blow up passenger jets on flights from England to the United States proves that the federal government’s surveillance techniques are working. Latham , a republican from Alexander, says the federal government needs to keep on top of what’s been termed as a complex terrorist operation.
Latham says as someone who serves on the Homeland Subcommittee on Appropriations, they’ve been aware of a lot of terrorist threats. Democrats scolded President Bush earlier this year for his efforts to monitor certain phone calls and e-mails involving suspected terrorists, saying he was violating the Constitution with the secret program. Latham says the foiling of the terrorist plot proves those efforts are warranted.
Latham says some people may have become a bit lax since it’s been almost five years since the 9-11 attacks, but he says most people understand the need for security and surveillance. Latham says the fight against terrorism isn’t going to go away. Latham says the war on terror is a long-term situation that “People who hate freedom, who hate America, want to do us harm.”