I have never appreciated President’s Day as much as I do this year. Looking at what is happening all over the world, makes me so proud to be a citizen of this country. We are so fortunate to have the political system we have, and so blessed to have justice and fairness for all people as the cornerstones of what we believe in.

I have represented people in international extradition cases, and know why they dreaded being sent back to their countries to face criminal charges. In most other countries, including all countries in Europe, criminal suspects, not even defendants (as formal charges may not have yet been filed), can be held in jail without bail during the investigation of the charges against them. These investigatory detentions c an be extended virtually indefinitely, and in many countries, suspects are denied contact with their families, and often without legal representation. Torture and forced confessions are the routine, rather than the exception in many countries. The right to remain silent simply does not exist in many places.

The Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the United States Constitution are gifts from our forefathers and heroic Presidents to us that very few other countries share. The freedom to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures and the right to due process of law, allow us to live our lives in a dignified and very orderly manner. It gives us the foundation to create and develop the best that humanity can possibly be.

This President’s Day, be proud to be an American, and enjoy the freedom and peace we have within this country.