My fellow Americans, lend me your ears. All around you is our omnipresent, leader, guide, shepherd and keeper, Big Government. Under the auspices of rooting out terrorism, the United States government has passed into law the USA/Patriot Act, which is the first step in ultimately alienating our god-given inalienable rights. Jefferson is rolling over in his grave.
The USA/Patriot Act, an acronym for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism, is 362 pages of hastily written imperialistic legislation. It was passed overwhelmingly, 98-1 in the Senate and 362-43 in the House. Sadly, according to several key Senator's aides as pointed out in the November 5th 2001, Newsweek, most Senators read only the preamble and title before assuming that with the name Patriot, it must be good for the people. Bush signed the Patriot Act into law on October 26th, 2001; a date which may live in infamy.
Screenchot of USA PATRIOT Act (German Wikipedia)
President George W. Bush addresses an audience Wed...
English: U.S. Senator Russ Feingold spoke on the S...In 1980, a well known liberal author, Bertram Gross, wrote in his book, Friendly Fascism, that fascism, in the traditional sense could creep into America--not with officially banning political parties, Nuremburg rallies, or abrogating constitution, but with the same nationalist fervor that swept Fascist Italy, Communist Russia, and Nazi Germany. Legislation like the Patriot Act, its sister, the Homeland Security Act, and other government actions are certainly opening the door for fascism with a friendly face. George Washington once said, "Guard against untrue patriotism." We certainly saw a marked rise of patriotism two years ago, true or untrue remains to be seen.
Within its lengthy text, the Patriot act hides several key facts. In short however, it gives new powers to federal police agencies, such as the CIA, FBI, and the ATF. Now, with reason of suspicion, and reason of...