They Told Me When Obama Was Elected...

You guys should check out this article. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,519570,00.html It appears he was being paid to make bomb threats and his mother knew it. I know that has nothing to do with the point some of you are trying to make but they didn't need the Patriot Act to hold this idiot. That's if you believe anything on Fox News.

Dastard...homework was done and I support the Act. I know you guys think I'm ubsurd. For whatever its worth, I can't believe what you guys have written. Astonishing.

That's the reason the 2nd Amendment is one of the most important ones. Without it, we cannot defend the rest ... As far as this woman claiming not to know that this sort of thing can happen in America, here's a picture from just about 20 years ago: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/36/Inselian.jpg

The associated article - http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/5049867/ Who needs The Constitution anyway? Just crumple it up and toss it into the recycling bin. Wouldn't we all be better off without it? It's such a hassle for the government to enforce the laws with all that crap about rights that they have to deal with. Just think about how much cheaper the country could be run, with out The Constitution! [/sarcasm] SC

Plato... that was a great statement. And to MGK, You have EVERY right to feel the way you do. I hope that the government never decides someone you do care about is worth looking into, because with the Patriot act a teenager can be held with out trial or bail for as long as the government sees fit. (remember that they found no evidence when they searched her home.) Even an accused murderer can apply for bail. But as this is America, you have the right to feel and think as you see fit for now. You have those rights because people stood up and said I will be heard. I will NOT just bow to a government that taxes and uses me without giving me a say. A government that can house its troops in my home with out my say so.... for more there are many good books on the American Revolution at your local library.

The problem with the media is that you never get the whole picture. Its either slanted to the left, or the right. Therefore I never base an opinion on a news story. This kid may be innocent, or he may be guilty, none of us know that because we don't have access to all of the investigative information. The intent of the Patriot Act is to allow authorities to act aggressively, and most importantly, quickly to avert a potential terrorist event, thereby preserving human life. Now if you don't care about your life and your family/friends, with the view that everyone's going to die sometime, then the PA is probably barbaric to you. However for many people, life is an enjoyable, shared experience that they don't want to end anytime soon. Therefore the PA is a tool that can assist in that goal. Is the PA perfect...no, is it necessary and useful...yes, should it be tweaked...probably. Same goes for Welfare, Taxes, Affirmative Action, etc., these are programs/laws that are far from perfect, and elicit vile reactions from people, but they do serve a purpose that make our lives better as a whole even though it makes some people's lives worse. No one has invented a perfect government, or country, and therein lies our opportunity for freedom of choice. We are free to live/work practically anywhere in the world. Find the place that best works for you, honor your family, serve your community/government, don't be evil, and enjoy your life as best you can. Do this, and you will avoid the suspicion that leads questionable people down a path of uncertainty.

No laws in the US should EVER be allowed to supercede the Constitution, they are our inalienable rights after all. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inalienable

The Patriot Act is going to have be repealed. I have seen several news stories just like that one. This is America, these things are not supposed to happen in America. I am afraid the longer these things go on, the farther away the America we once new is slipping.

"This is America..." Wow. Yet we keep thinking it is ok to give up rights. "I'm not doing anything wrong so it doesn't affect me". Bullshit.

I was reminded of the speech at the end of the movie "The Siege" by Denzel Washington... where he talks about shredding the constitution just a little bit to get what you want. I don't know if that boy did what he is accused of, but as he is an American Citizen he is entitled to due process under the law. I have been wearing my friends ears out over stuff like this for years. I catch a lot of crap, but I keep saying that it will become all to real when it happens to someone you know. And in this case I hope it never does. Good post.

You guys want to repeal the Patriot Act because the boys mom said he didn't do it? Yeah, let's take away a valuable tool to fight terrorism (both foreign and domestic) based on this alone without hearing the government's case. He will have his day in court and I hope heads roll if he was falsely imprisoned.

MGK...do some homework on what is in the Patriot Act. This is not about mommy whining. It is about due process.

My issue with things like the Patriot Act can be summed up thusly: -selling your freedom under the guise of security means you don't deserve freedom. -everyone you know will die, so arguing that you're protecting them from terrorism is utterly stupid. Freedom is an ideal; death is a guarantee. Stop selling out important moral ideals (freedom) for a God-damned lie (security).