My family members that faught in WW2 always stated to me "I am afraid your generation has yet to understand the sacrifices made for your freedom." "You have not even seen a threat to your freedom up until 9/11.
They are right
I suppose your family memebers slept through the Cold War. I don't mean that as an attack on you or your family, I just wish people realized that we battle daily to maintain our freedom. In many cases it has been a losing proposition as most people are willing to roll over and give their freedom up. A lot of examples could be pointed out, but to keep the subject of the thread, the Patriot Act is the only example necessary.