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"Those who are willing to give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither, and will lose both." Benjamin Franklin uttered those words centuries ago, as our nation was thrust into the American Revolution. He , and our other forefathers understood the importance of civil liberties, and the need to retain them under ANY circumstances, even war!
In the post 9/11 fear, our president , his administration and congress curtailed the very essence of our democracy with the United States Patriot Act! Section 215 of the Patriot Act allows a third party access to our personal records, be it: financial, church, phone, business, video game rental, travel, and even our library cards! Section 505 further advocates that those records can be obtained WITHOUT judicial oversight or probable cause. Some experts say that Section 213 can be used to illegally search your home, car, and personal effects at any time (there goes the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution!) Other sections allow "tap and trace" of your phone records, eavesdropping on conversations. I mean, how do you know someone isn't tapping YOUR phone? Citizens can be detained for lengthy periods (such as an airport) without criminal backgrounds.
This would be considered treason of the American government in the past. It is a violation of the search and seizure laws / rights constitutionally afforded to every American citizen.
What we must remember, also, is that this law is futile against terrorism! Some of the 9/11 perpetrators had fashioned knives and boxcutters! What is next, making sure you have a background check at the grocery and hardware stores before you buy supplies? There are more prudent, intelligent ways to discourage terrorism. As a nation, we need to be alert, and cautious, but there is no need to encroach upon our Constitutional rights and liberties. Acting on fear, and taking away the very basic ideals of our country leaves us weak and downtrodden, which means the terrorists may have already won. And THAT kind of America should be the most frightening scenerio of ALL!

Learn more about this author, Elise Warren.
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