We fear Government power to the point that we allow thieves, adulterers, traitors, all kinds of lawbreakers to walk the halls of Congress and the White house
Or conduct surveillance of law-abiding Americans just because they don't like their politics.
"Or conduct surveillance of law-abiding Americans just because they don't like their politics."
Great argument. Except that Lennon wasn't an American and he wasn't law abiding.
But other than that...
No way to know if known socialists are law-abiding unless they are investigated.
This is what is wrong with this country: Lovers of socialism, communism, and terrorism, place fear in the hearts of the innocent - fear of unjust surveillance, in order to PROTECT the guilty.
All in the name of "individual" rights. No individual, innocent or guilty, has the RIGHT to deny investigation which may be crucial to the security of this country as a whole.