The scope of terrorism and subversion against the United States exceeds the darkest days of the cold war. We knew then where the enemy was located, and the concept of mutually assured destruction kept the world relatively peaceful.

But now, we know where only some of the enemy is located. His forces also live and work among us. Today, representatives from civil rights groups met with the FBI to express their concerns over due process and constitutional guarantees. But as the attorney general said, there is a clear and present danger that all Americans now face on our own soil.

In previous wars the courts have been most accommodating in providing expanded powers for law enforcement to protect our citizens. We should all remember what Supreme Court justice Robert Jackson said when referring to the document the several states signed back in 1789 - "The constitution is not a suicide pact!"

It is important to remember that our freedom has survived these temporary war time powers.