Thus, our policies in response to threats of any kind must not stifle the engines of innovation that drive our economy and enhance our lives. We cannot afford to over react or put up too many virtual or physical walls. If we do, the adversary wins by default because our way of life has been lost. It is possible to ensure the security of our nation s critical infrastructures without compromising civil liberties and personal privacy or locking down the Internet. Throughout history, the first obligation of the state has been to protect its citizens.
Today is no exception.
Information technology, while providing us many comforts and conveniences has also created for us new kinds of vulnerabilities that can be exploited. These vulnerabilities must be addressed and balanced with the civil liberties we have worked so hard to earn as a nation. It makes no sense to trample on civil liberties in order to preserve them. Too often, the debate is framed as if security and privacy are mutually exclusive. This is simply not true.