[SirLinksalot]

Honestly folks, how many ordinary American rights have been violated as a result of the Patriot Act ? How many people's library borrowing habits have been spied upon ?

We ought to ask ourselves if the cost of having this act in place (i.e., greater surviellance) exceeds the benefits ( e.g. more potential terrorist cells busted and captured ).

I'm not entirely sure if this recent development is a good thing... haven't made up my mind one way or the other.

[wyattearp]

Honestly folks, how many ordinary American rights have been violated as a result of the Patriot Act ?

We have no way of knowing. Secret "John Doe", unspecific, and unsigned warrants. That's the point.

How many people's library borrowing habits have been spied upon ?

We don't know. How many? As many as the government wants to, that's how many. How can we find out? We can't.

That's the point.

[banjo joe]

We ought to ask ourselves if the cost of having this act in place (i.e., greater surviellance) exceeds the benefits ( e.g. more potential terrorist cells busted and captured ).

Good question. But why have virtually open borders, expedited visa proceedures, etc., and then try to shut t-cells down AFTER their here?

Hmmm...