"but the FACT remains that this law/act has saved our collective butts for 4 years now."
The fact? Do you have any proof that the unpatroitic act has done anything more than serve to give big-brother government even more power?
Read the transcript of President Bush's radio address today. In it you will find some FACTS about the effectiveness of the Patriot Act. (Or you one of those who think "Bush Lied'?)