Ho-hum.
ksen, I posted most of my reply here on a different thread, but I think it applies to this one as well. I'm having trouble finding the middle ground on this, if there is any.
I think many are lulled into thinking the country is no longer in any danger of terrorist attacks. I hope that is so, but I'm not ready to relax too much for I believe that until the presence of the islamofascists and the entire belief structure from which terror is born is removed from the country we will still be at risk.
As far as I'm concerned, the only answer is complete elimination of that belief system from our shores. But I doubt if that will ever happen.
In the meantime, concerning the Patriot Act and the dangers it may pose in the long term, it's a Catch-22. Danged if we do and danged if we don't. There must come a time when a nation which is in jeopardy of destruction, a question has to be answered: What is the best course of action to prevent that destruction, realizing that freedom and liberties cannot be exercised anyway if there are rivers of blood flowing in the streets.
Personally, I'd elect to solve the problem, whatever it took. (Not really. See footnote.) Then after the threat is eliminated there should be no hesitation by government to revert to the rule of law and constitutional government.
But that presents another problem. One which pre-dates terrorism. The government itself has been guilty of nibbling away at the constitution for decades. That alone does not inspire confidence in government by the people, for the element of trust is not present.
IMO, there be few who would believe that those who control the engine of force would relinquish its assumed powers when they are no longer needed -- and to keep those powers after the threat is ended could only mean that that force will be used against the people themselves.
Is there anything in our history that would lead us to believe it would be otherwise?
It is strange that we are currently transferring power in Iraq, 'granting' them their Sovereignty, when our elected officials have been involved in destroying the Sovereignty of our own country and its Citizens for a long, long time.
But still, the question remains. How far are we willing to go on the 'rights' issues if the terror threat continues for years. I'm not willing to agree to a long-term, tit- for-tat battle. I'm not willing to live in fear of my life every time I go to Wal-Mart or ride public transportation. If the gummint does not initiate the final solution (round 'em all up and ship 'em out) before, or immediately after the next attack here, perhaps the people will.
Footnote: I agree with the dissenting opinion. But what to do? Still Catch-22 unless the offending belief structure responsible for the threat is removed. Any other remedy is only a patch and not a cure and the curtailment of rights will continue until we can no longer remember what our Constitutional Republic was.
When will the hyperbole, alarmism and false reporting stop.
...from time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of patriots and tyrants...
Time to break out the bars & stars...?
When the toy soldiers are all put back in the closet and we are safely tucked in bed.
I thought this article was about Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Enough what? Are you feeling trod on? These are perilous times, laddie. Best belt up and act like a man. Less whining, more action.