Comments on AT WHAT LEVEL DO YOUR RIGHTS HAVE TO BE AT RISK

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I'm with you on this one.

I am generally a supporter of Bush. We would probably disagree on many points of politics and religion, but the so called "Patriot Act" really has me concerned. It amazes me how quickly the Bush administration rushed it to the congress. You'd almost think it was already written before 9/11. It seems that times of "war" are a perfect opportunity for the executive branch to do a little power grabbing. We critisize Putin for undermining democratic reforms in Russia in the name of national security, yet we are guilty of the same thing. I am no fan of the ACLU. I think they have destroyed their own credibility with the majority of Americans by pursuing an agenda of trivial issues that have angered the religious majorities in this country. Now that they really need the united support of all Americans behind their opposition to the Patriot Act, most of the country thinks they are crying wolf.

You will probably not agree with me on this point, but I don't think the world will come to an end if the Ten Commandments are allowed or disallowed from courthouses. I don't think leaving in or taking out the words "under God" from the pledge of allegiance will be the end of western civilization as we know it. But I don't want to live in a society where Big Brother is secretly looking over my shoulder in order to "protect" me. I don't want anyone arrested and held indefinately without access to a lawyer and without probable cause. The trouble is, none of us really know what is going on. I have no proof to back up my fears. But if I have to choose between the million to one chance of being killed in a terrorist attack, or giving up basic constitutional freedoms, I'd choose the former. As the motto of New Hampshire says "Live free or die".

posted by PastorTom on November 8, 2004 at 1:24 PM | link to this | reply

You are absolutely right.

posted by SlyCy on November 8, 2004 at 4:41 AM | link to this | reply