Re: "smoked salmon socialists"

Rubystars wrote:
> > > You're right. I disagree with things like the patriot act because
> > > I feel that it has the potential to erode private citizen's freedom and
> > > privacy.
> >
> > Any specific instances in which this is happening or likely to happen?
>
> I oppose it on principle. I dont' like the government to have too much power
> over individual citizens.

What specific part of it do you oppose?

        Many of the tools the Act provides to law enforcement to fight
        terrorism have been used for decades to fight organized crime
        and drug dealers, and have been reviewed and approved by the
        courts. As Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) explained during the floor
        debate about the Act, "the FBI could get a wiretap to
        investigate the mafia, but they could not get one to investigate
        terrorists. To put it bluntly, that was crazy! What’s good for
        the mob should be good for terrorists." (Cong. Rec., 10/25/01)
        http://www.lifeandliberty.gov/

Much of what's actually changed are issues related to "keeping up with 
technology," streamlining warrant processes, and improving inter-agency 
cooperation. You don't want agencies to cooperate? Even one of the 
Democrat Presidential candidates thinks they should:
	As Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) said about the Patriot Act, "we
	simply cannot prevail in the battle against terrorism if the
	right hand of our government has no idea what the left hand is
	doing." (Press release, 10/26/01)
	[same reference]

I hear people complain about the Patriot Act all the time, but they 
won't (or can't) tell me specifically why it bothers them. When I 
explain its key provisions, they actually agree those are good measures. 
Go figure.