The Patriot Act has brought the issues of safety vs. freedom to the attention of the American public.
But it's not a new dilemma. Earlier presidents like Roosevelt and Lincoln each struggled with problems that sometimes led them to set safety above freedom.
Roosevelt ordered the internment of Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II, a war fought largely in the name of freedom. Lincoln suspended the right of habeas corpus during the Civil War to free slaves.
At times, it appears that society sets safety above freedom. Yet, on the other hand, those same societies have often fought boldly in the name of freedom -- despite the risks to safety.
Which, then, is more valuable to society? This year's Great American Think-Off is asking this very question.
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Entering the competition is easy. Just submit an essay of 750 words or less by April 1. Essays can be mailed to P.O. Box 246 New York Mills, MN 56567, or e-mailed to nymills@kulcher.org (no attachments) or submitted on-line at www.think-off.org .
Four finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges to make the trip to New York Mills, Minn., for the final debate, held this year on June 10. The four finalists, all of whom will receive $500 plus travel expenses, will be announced May 1.
Now in its 14th year, the Great American Think-Off is a national philosophy competition that provides an opportunity for ordinary people to voice their opinions on some of life's more difficult questions.
Last year's question, "Cooperation or Competition: Which Benefits Society More?" provoked hundreds of thoughtful essays from across the country. Past questions have included "Should Same Sex Marriages be Prohibited?" (2004); "Should Assisted Suicide be Legal?" (2001); "Does God Exist?" (1996); and "Is Honesty Always the Best Policy?" (1998) -- the latter being the basis for a memorable competition that was broadcast live on C-SPAN.
