Geoffrey R. Stone, professor of law at the University of Chicago and member of the American Constitution Society Board of Directors, writes in a column for today’s New York Times op-ed page that the next occupant of the White House should address the erosion of civil liberties in America. Stone argues that the nation’s standing as a protector of civil liberties has been “tarnished” by a series of events, including, the suspension of habeas corpus and torture of detainees. One way Stone says the next president could reverse course:
Presidents have a wide range of official advisers. There is a secretary of defense, a secretary of labor, a national security adviser, to name just a few. The next president should create a new executive branch position: a civil liberties adviser. Within the highest councils of every administration there should be a respected public official whose charge it is to defend our civil liberties against all comers.
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