Leahy: Don't overdo security for lawmakers

[cali]

By Bernie Becker - 01/11/11 02:36 PM ET

In the wake of the recent Arizona shooting spree, Sen. Patrick Leahy said Tuesday that rank-and-file lawmakers do not need radically beefed up security, likening that sort of situation to totalitarian states he has visited.

Leahy (D-Vt.), the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a speech at Washington, D.C.'s Newseum that Capitol Police had provided “superb” security after he had been sent a letter contaminated by anthrax following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

But he also said that he feels the Capitol itself is secure and that he did not believe most lawmakers need any more barriers between themselves and the people they represent.

“It’s not the kind of country we are,” the Vermont Democrat said. “I’ve been in countries, totalitarian countries, where every single person seems to have security. I’ve had people from some of these countries come to visit, and they’re surprised to see me get in the car and drive my own car.”

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[Solly Mack]

1. k/r

[Angry Dragon]

2. All of us democrats have been threatened by the right

we should all ask for Secret Service Protection .......
because bones said any attack on one of us is an attack on all of us......

[TheWraith]

3. Good for him! I'm glad to see someone demonstrating common sense.

There's no such thing as making someone or something 100% safe, and trying to do so is only going to clamp down on people's ability to pursue their lives. What needs to go is the aura of eliminationist rhetoric coming from the right, not access to lawmakers.

[somone]

4. Congress critters don't need 24/7 Secret Service and motorcades

[Kablooie]

5. I disagree. Every congressman needs a full time TSA agent feeling up everyone within shooting range.

[LisaL]

6. Wouldn't that include all the other congressmen?

Assuming congressmen ever want to assemble together?

[scarletwoman]

7. Yes, of course. Therefore, the obvious solution would be for all them to go naked.

:)

[LisaL]

9. I am willing to sacrifice. Congress should take the x-ray scanners

from the airports so all the congressmen can be scanned for their safety.

[Kablooie]

8. Congress would become one huge touchy feely session. A grand sight for the visitor's gallery.