Save democracy for saving democracy's sake

The Wall Street Journal’s Brendan Miniter wrote today that “there is a growing concern that America may become a much different place by fighting a global war on terror.” This is a wise observation, and we mustn’t forget that far more is at stake than the lives of Americans and our national security: We are fighting for democracy itself.

Al-Qaeda has made clear its unwillingness to let democracy spread. Hatred pervades every fiber of its shady network, as was affirmed with today’s news that an American was beheaded in Iraq. But beyond the bombs al-Qaeda would use or the lives it would claim, the terrorist organization has proven capable of an even greater strike: political engineering and disruption.

Spain fell victim to this atrocity in March, and all signs point to an attempted attack on U.S. soil before Election Day. No doubt al-Qaeda would like to orchestrate an election outcome in their favor -– an election outcome in the appeasers’ favor. And while such an outcome must not happen, Americans likewise must not surrender or equivocate on the tenets on which this nation was chartered.

If in the interest of national security Americans must forgo -– or even negotiate on -– their “unalienable rights,” then have we not lost already? If the very essence of democracy is suspended or marginalized in the United States, have the terrorists not already had the effect they seek? And does that not negate the bloody but noble war being waged in Iraq?

Sometimes, perhaps, we must save ourselves from saving ourselves. And in this case, we also must ensure democracy is not sacrificed in our plight to save democracy. Too much is at stake to lose any battle in this war.