I haven't forgotten 1993-2001, character actually matters now, and people of good charcater are now running the War on Terrorism.
I'll say it again:
Dane - I've been watching your discussion regarding the Patriot Act and I will respond civilly. You are dead wrong. The entire premise of our government is one of limitation of power because power always corrupts. The document that sets up our govenrment is intended to restrict the lowest common denominator, the worst of the worst, should they get into office somehow. ANY legislation that is premised on lawful use of power by a good and benevolent head of state or congress (regardless of how good or benevolent, present or future) should never be made law.
Period.
Your position on this thread is not only un-supportable in a historical context, i.e. the time-period during which the Constitution was penned and ratified, it is just plain dangerous.
Period.
Dude, we live in a different world since 9/11. Now is not the time to handwring, especially even when according to a lot of critics of the Patriot Act will concede that the people who proposed the Patriot Act are people of good character.
It is common sense that in this dangerous world to keep people of character and competance in power to deal with the threat of worldwide terrorism.
Of course that would presuppose that you actually think that there is threat, and IMHO, you like the leftist democrats and ACLU, you do not think that there is a threat to America at the present time.