I understand how some people believe that one day we may need to know how to made bombs, etc. for a militia if we are invaded by the Chinese or some other situation calling defense of our country occurs.
And they may understandably not want to be scrutinized by the FBI while they are checking up on how to make a bomb in a library.
That said, in the end I think the terrorist situation we are facing now is very grave for the very survival of our country. To catch terrorists before they act is imperative.
I don't think enough people have enough appreciation for how badly they can hurt us, and that they have the potential to completely destroy our country as a functioning entity.
every small victory is a step closer
I agree with the failure to understand the threat.
My outlook is that the Clinton administration abused its powers without the Patriot Act. He wasn't punished for this abuse. The day a Liberal is convicted of overstepping their constitutional authorities, then I'll consider the Libertarian argument. Until then the fear the Act, which does require oversight from a Judge or other authority, will result in abuse of power doesn't hold any weight with me.
A Republican would not dare violate the act intentionally, even unintentionally, because they'd be impeached. Likely without the Act they couldn't perform even the most most minor of necessary investigations to stop terrorists because Libs and Judges would block them out of spite.
Meanwhile a Liberal Democrat will be excused any violation, Act or not.
The Patriot Act is needed to pursue terrorists because the ability of a Republican administration to pursue the WOT would be obstructed entirely. Just look at what they've attempted with Guantanomo.
The other argument is that the loss of privacy is intolerable. Well, again, the Government can spy on me right now Patriot Act or no. Law abiding officials will at least go to a Judge with cause. Officials not interested in law won't bother with a court order any way.
I guess my point here is that I recognize the idea of 'privacy' is just not realistic in an age with our technology. My neighbor could get hold of all my records, it's ludicrous to believe the Government couldn't or that absence of Patriot Act would prevent someone if they wanted to.