Hello all. This is my first post in this group and it is about the Patriot Act (you wouldn't believe it from the title). Anyways, I really disagree with this act. Essentially, it allows the government to spy on its citizens and treat them in a way that conflicts with the constitution (such as holding people in prison without announcing a charge which has happened in a few cases). I know it is supposed to stop terrorism, but I don't think it is much more effective than other methods. If anything it is surrendering our freedoms because of threats of terror. It is a paradox.

Anyways, I really dislike the Patriot Act. I makes me think of the book 1984. If we don't stop now, then when do we draw the line as to what freedoms the government can take and control?

Here is a petition to repeal the Patriot Act: Patriot Act Repeal Petition

Feel free to discuss your thoughts.

Oh yes, it definitely reminds one of 1984. The characteristics of the scenarios are somewhat different, but the whole arrest/prison system is definitely resemblant. The thing is we have already crossed the line into undemocratic practices and the people in power realize that and think, if they can do this, they should be able to get away somehow with anything further they might want to do. We look even at the fact that Bush has a terrible approval rating, and see that he still gets whatever he wants. No logic or duty to justice on the part of Congress and the people to stop these charlatans.

The unfair surveillance and incarceration represents complete hypocrisy. We invade all these countries telling them we're spreading freedom and democracy, and right here at home we're violating it when we could be setting examples and using better management to effectively bring only those who really are terrorists to justice.

my 2 cents.

The "Patriot" Act, I was reminded the other day, in a newspaper article; that should there be another Islamist terror attack on the US, no matter who is President, Democrat or Republican, the current set up will look positively Elysian.

I was also reminded that perhaps we need another Truman or FDR to tackle this particular problem. Another LIBERAL....Shock! Horror!

My tupenny worth.

Your first point could be possible (and would be likely if that happened imo), but another possibility is that there would be an outrage at the Administration's defensive incompetence, ignorance, and focusing defensive initiatives on the wrong (i.e. illegal) areas. That's going on to a degree right now and another attack would only confirm it. But, I'm afraid, there wouldn't be many with the will to argue over the rights and wrongs of a policy immediately after an attack, which is rather the time when carefully thought out (through dialectic), judicious decisions are most important.