This is freedom?

[Export]

Dear America: I do have some things to say about your country. Most good, some bad.

I've taken the time to read your Patriot Act. I now feel the need to self-censor my comments. I have family in America and like to visit them sometimes. The last thing I want is to step off the airplane and have some uniformed person with a gun going 'Would you step out of line please?'

However, there is one event in history that sticks out in my mind. After the Reichstag (German Federal Paliament) fire, the Chancellor at the time increased police powers to keep an eye on the population in the name of 'security'. We all know what happened to Germany during WWII.

We can't see the future, but we can certainly learn from the past!

Thoughts/opinions?

[Maid_of_Iron]

I personally have not read the patriot act. But I have heard of it, and need to read it. I will simply tell you, that I follow your line of thinking, and see a trend that is some sence a warning: I fear for my constitutional rights and fundemental liberties as a result of "terrorism". I believe the potential is there for an assault on the constitution, justified in the name of "protecting" the American people. I believe that it is vital that all Americans who value their liberties keep a close eye on government, and be aware and beware that we are only free as long as we insist upon being so. Fear and scare tactics are a great manipulation tactic. I think we need to keep a firm perspective on the threat of terrorism, and a firm eye on our rights. I'm not so certain the threat is so great that it should require a forfeiture of rights for any American. Be it the right to free speech, interstate travel, property rights, or any other fundamental liberty embodied in those sacred paper, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It has been the trend for some years now to erode away TRUE "rights", or what I consider "liberties". From the right to bear arms, to first amendment rights of freedom of expression, to property rights. While we still maintane our liberty, before it is too late, this is the time to pay attention and be observant, and that is to say the least.