'The right' doesn't understand rights

An open letter to the political right:

I've been following the cable, 24 hour news cycle. Unbelievable. I've seen a lot.

After apprehending a terrorist, who could have killed many Americans in New York, in 53 hours, our local and federal governments have somehow screwed up. If you listen to the "right," the administration has left us unsafe, again.

Respected politicians are now questioning the administration's handling of this act of terror. Senators John McCain and John Kyl are now questioning law enforcement's reading Faisal Shahzad his Miranda rights.

What the heck is wrong with you people? He's a citizen of the U.S. We don't apply our laws when it's convenient. We apply our laws consistently.

That's what makes this country great. You folks who wrap yourselves in the flag and the Constitution should have a little perspective.

The fact that an American citizen, who is arrested on charges of a crime, was read his Miranda rights is what we're all about. We are a country of laws and freedoms. Tens of thousands of Americans have died defending those laws and freedoms.

You can't just apply them when it's politically convenient.

Terry LaPlante

Schaumburg