[Edit35]

This claim that the Patriot Act is standing the constitution on its head is pure crap.

Why?
Two points: As a newspaper reporter, I talk to hundreds of people every week and I have yet to come across anyone (either American or immigrant Muslim) who is aghast at having their rights invaded, either overtly or covertly (and I hear some doozies, believe me)

Point Two: If this Patriot bill passes, there will STILL be a check valve with oversight by a Judge and others in the Judicial system. I have confidence there will not be rampant dead of the night information invasions by some off-the-deep end brown shirts, as is claimed by some.

To wrap it up, this tirade against the patriot act is pure folly. This country, in a time of threats and war, needs to check for subersives. As long as we do it in a judicious mannor, it is OK with me.

[eshu]

Two points: As a newspaper reporter, I talk to hundreds of people every week and I have yet to come across anyone (either American or immigrant Muslim) who is aghast at having their rights invaded, either overtly or covertly (and I hear some doozies, believe me)

Good point - if freedom and privacy are not important to most citizens, then of course there will be no outcry when these are removed. Perhaps we will move more towards a European-socialist model of society in the fuiture anyway - that is what TV, public schools, etc., seem to be pushing. I certainly meet a lot of people too who really don't care about the 1st, 4th, 6th, etc., as long as they are safe.

[A Navy Vet]

I guess the word "incrementalism" doesn't register. Our rights have been slipping away for years. Much of the Patriotic Act is beneficial and Constitutional; the suspension of rights guaranteed by the 4th Amendment are unacceptable, as are the usurption of the 1st Amendment by the Campaign Finance Reform law. The slippery slope is getting steeper all the time.

[Hail Caesar]

"Those who are willing to trade freedom for security deserve neither freedom nor security."
- BENJAMIN FRANKLIN