I get it. But are you trying to say that we would be beteer off without the PA? What's the alternative? That was an immediate response to a dire situation. Maybe it has outlived it's usefulness. I don't know. What would you suggest? It seems like the Brits are implementing similar measures.
How about:
1. Immediate elimination of any barriers between Intelligence/Counterintelligence/Law Enforcement
2. Profiling
3. Round-ups of all illegals with subsequent interrogation - deportation.
Furthermore, outlaw and roundup any and all Muslim Clerics who support or call for jihad against us (notice I did NOT call for the outlawing of Islam per se!)
4. Close the Borders
5. Immediate suspension of relations with Iran, Syria, N. Korea (and others) - subsequent suspension of relations with any country that refuses to suspend relations with the forgoing (repeat as necessary) This is what GWB called for (either with us or with the terrorists) but has yet to implement.
This would do MUCH more than the patriot act, and would violate no-ones rights in the process. Even point 2 above is not a violation - profiling merely sorts out potential terrorists from the rest and best allows the services charged with investigating terrorists to concentrate thier efforts on lucrative targets instead of old ladies, young children, etc...
Gotto run for the day, but will pick this up later if you desire to continue . . . .