" Equal Protection!"

The United States has had a very busy 24 hours; since last night an arrest was made in the alleged terrorist bomb attempt in Times Square in New York.

A naturalized citizen, Faisal Shahzad, was arrested aboard a plane destined for Dubai then connecting for Pakistan. This is a tribute to our citizens and the law enforcement community. We should all get on our knees this morning and thank God that this terrorist didn't complete his task.

As a naturalized citizen, Mr. Shahzad is entitled to all the rights under the constitution that all Americans enjoy. Thus far, charges have yet to be filed, and all people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Once again we should all thank God for living in a country that is designed for the protection of the rights of all its' citizens.

It is odd that those nations that support and endorse terrorism don't provide such freedom and constitutional protection that we are so accustomed to here. If Mr. Shahzad is found to be involved in this plot, my personal opinion is that he be prosecuted for treason against the United States of America. He is a citizen, therefore this alleged act is treasonous and eligible for all punishment connected with treason and seditious activity. These are federal charges and should be pursued by the attorney general. We, as a nation, need to set an example to those who wish to destroy our nation and murder our citizens.

We have seen over the last week, Joe Klein has called loyal Americans seditious for being critical of government policies. It will be interesting to see if Mr. Klein will be as verbal about a possible violent terrorist as he was about Americans exercising their first amendment rights.

This administration has been very clear about protecting the rights of suspected terrorists, making sure they get equal justice under the law. This is all well and good. They should be equally zealous in the protection of the rights of all those who disagree with public policy and condemn those who purport dissent as a seditious act.

All Americans need their rights protected; whether you're accused of a terrorist act or speaking out on policy. Criticism may be hurtful, but it isn't a crime, and it isn't un-American. Protect Glenn Beck with the same fervor that will be used to protect Faisal Shahzad!