Civil libertarians have rights

The Advertiser: Civil libertarians have rights:

"CIVIL libertarians had a right to express their point of view, misguided as some of them might be, Prime Minister John Howard said today"

There it is again. "The civil libertarians". We are a free country? Or we were. Why the us and them mentality? Why the heroes and villains? Why the one thought ,one action? The for us or against us? Any changes in normal policy ought to be dicussed well. Thoroughly. All points of view should be considered. Those looking at the disadvantages of the new counter terror laws are simply that. Those looking at the disadvantages. If we have an open hearing on what is advantageous and what is disadvantageous, we shall make solid and sensible decisions. If I am going to make a decision of some import, I always run it past at least 3 trusted people to canvas their opinion. If you are for something, you are always biased and do not see the pitfalls. You need others to look out for the potholes. They are not the enemy, nor are they misguided. They are at least as intelligent and have probably as much experience, so their point of view is worth listening to and then maybe the changes brought about will work more easily because you KNOW all the pitfalls. It's just wise decision making strategy. The airhead approach, where there is no thorough discussion , is far too airy fairy for serious, far reaching decisions.