There is a considerable alarmism industry out there that distorts every piece of legislation that comes along. I used to buy into some of it until I learned to do some research of my own.
I do know that the government didn't have the guts to declare war
Congress authorized the action against Iraq. The Constitution does not specify the means of declaring war, just that Congress should do such. Congress approved the action, and that's what matters.
and that the suspension of rights will never go away. The "war on (some) terror" will never be over as long as politicians can derive power and control from it.
I used to think that the war on terror was a bunch of hype prior to 9/11. I was wrong. Apparently some folks didn't get the same lesson I did. If you want to debate specifics on legislative actions, fine. But too many folks just wail and moan while failing to offer concrete alternatives or acknowledging the fact that we were friggin' attacked by people who were in this country. And that it could happen again, in a far worse manner. The oceans don't protect us the way they used to.
And how did they get into this country?
The topic here is the WAR ON TERROR, not Iraq.
In neither case was there a declaration. If there was, it would be clear what could and could not be done at home. And the people of the country would demand after a time to know objectives and time tables to know when the war was over. It wouldn't have as much chance of being open ended. Then people could decide if the suspension of certain rights was appropriate or not and for how long. A free society demands it.
Congress approved the action, and that's what matters.
As explained above, it is important and not all that matters. At least to this American.
If you want to debate specifics on legislative actions, fine.
"Know your Customer" is one example. The liberals tried for years before 911 to get this intrusive government power, we thwarted them everytime. Now, we surrendered and many even embrace it. It will be used for all kinds purposes that have nothing whatsoever to do with the WOT.