I'm disturbed by the erosion of civil liberties in this country. I know many others are as well. Civil liberties such as privacy take a back seat to the idea that we should make things easier for law enforcement or provide tools for law enforcement. What happened to good old fashioned detective work? Are we hiring sloppy officers who need the rules changed to make it easier for them?
What's gotten me riled up today is the extension of the Patriot Act. The Senate as you may have heard approved it 89-10. Here's a quote from taken from
Senator Jim Bunning
"This is a huge victory for the security of our country and our efforts to stay ahead of the terrorists," said Bunning. "After two months of Democrat obstruction tactics we have finally fulfilled our obligation as elected officials to protect our fellow citizens by renewing the Patriot Act.
"Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the Patriot Act has been instrumental in defending Americans from those hateful individuals who wish to harm us. In that time we have captured over 400 terrorist suspects, with more than 200 terrorists being convicted or pleading guilty in investigations helped by the Patriot Act.
"The list of successes in deterring terrorism under the Patriot Act is endless. There are more terrorists behind bars and not advancing plots against the United States because of the tools given to law enforcement by the Patriot Act. Because of the Patriot Act we can all continue to enjoy our freedom and liberty. I like to say that civil liberties don't mean much when you are dead. And there are many Americans alive today who would not be if those terrorists were successful in carrying out their attacks."
Enjoy our freedom and liberty? Did you not realize that you gave up our liberties to give law enforcement "tools". Why not do what Clinton did and like hire more officers to do the job instead of taking our liberties away. And what's with the whole civil liberties don't mean much when we're dead? Do you know what a patriot is? Do you know the history of our country? Do you know what "give me liberty or give me death" means? You sir are unpatriotic. Traitor to the people. Why should everyone be punished because there are a few bad people? Throw us all in prisons, that will make law enforcement's job easier.
This should be called the Unpatriot Act because it is so counter to the values we place on liberty and privacy that defines the American spirit. Our founding fathers must be spinning in their graves. If only we could hook dynamos up to them we could probably solve our energy problem.
Aside from the wiretapping without a warrant that has been covered there is so much more stuff to worry about. Even stuff that seems to be good is really bad such as requiring pseudoephedrine be sold behind the counter and that people have to show ID and sign a log. Even some democrats seem to think this is a good thing. Why should we give up our privacy rights for a theory that it will curb meth production? If I have a bad cold and I really need to go to work, I need this stuff to dry up my sinuses so I can talk and function. It is none of the government's business if I buy cold medication. People need this stuff for allergies too. Back off government! We want our privacy! If you think this is a small thing then you aren't seeing the big picture. It's easy to take our privacy rights and civil liberties bit by bit. First the government monitors what you buy, then the government watches where you go, then the government watches you in your own home. Bit by bit, we'll hardly notice it. Then it will all seem natural. At least law enforcement's job will be easier.
Anyways, sorry about going off on that. I just needed to rant about it and vent my frustration regarding the downward spiral our civil liberties and privacy rights are taking. Shot down by the very people that are supposed to protect them.