1. Picture recognition software placed on the streets of America. 2. Wiretaps have become easier and more readily used in the last few decades. 3. Does Carnivore ring a bell at all? 4. Waco, Ruby Ridge, and do you think that those people's rights were not infringed at all? Typically, there is usually a trial before anything such as a death penalty can be given. Look, this thread was put up as a warning and to encourage people to give extra thought to the idea of personal security. I believe everything in moderation even in regards to this subject and the Federal Government has not had a successful interpretation of the meaning of this value.
"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human liberty; it is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." --William Pitt
"Perhaps it is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad." --James Madison
My whole point was that the mere existence of a "Homeland Security" department is ominous, but not necessarily a priori evidence that the govt. is out to "get us."
Maybe you've got YOUR eyes open wide enough to see things that aren't even there.