Quote Originally Posted by Xiahou
Very true, as are many of the laws created to fight organized crime.
Probably true, I think it's a good thing that people are standing up for their rights again. This is a good first step. The war on terrorism and the war on drugs can (and have) been used against law-abiding citizens of the US. The patriot act probably less so. Although, apparently, you can get arrested for trying to translate/publish an Arab book.

The point is that the powers of government should be limited, surely every republican can agree with that ? Otherwise, why have the Bill of Rights, you could just trust your government and surely nothing bad will happen to you ? The Patriot Act was a clear attack on the separation between the private and the public, the basis of the first amendment, and if you check the Federalist papers, one of the founding principles of the US democracy.

And let's face it, it's a waste of money. Checking kids that want to read about Islam ? Monitoring debate groups that talk about how we should have world peace ? You can never have perfect security in a free country. You'll just have the learn to live with that. A terrorist can always find a way. That, of course, doesn't mean you can't try to stop them, but you have to focus your efforts, and you have to make sure no innocents get hurt along the way.

The Patriot act gives too much room for possible abuse.