Quote:
Originally posted by ARTelevision
Dinh: There are a number of provisions within the USA Patriot Act that have a tremendous effect on our war against terror. However, they are tools that can be used in general criminal investigations as well. At no time do I think that anybody intentionally sought to elide the difference between the two. The reason why you need tools of general applicability is that terrorists do not go around wearing an "I am a terrorist" T-shirt, and these normal investigative tools are the ones that allow us not only to deter terrorism but also to investigate crimes.
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In bold you'll see why I object to the Patriot Act. Dinh is basically admitting that there is a slippery slope of eroding liberty and the Patriot Act will be used as such. There might not be any way to differentiate between terrorists and any other sort of criminal, therefore blanket provisions effect us all. For the 10 millionth time since the Act's passing I feel the need to quote Benjamin Franklin--"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security." Habeas Corpus, freedom of information, and freedom of communication are all liberties essential to the American "experiment."