VOTE_BOT said:
At first glance, I would say Libertarian, though, with the ACLU thing, DSP is possible.
When I asked for one reason, I was hoping you'd be more specific. I think most of the objections to the Patriot Act can in some way be tied to a fear of diminished freedom.
You are correct Mr. Bot. I am a Libertarian...I even have a card that says so! Granted, I do not "toe the party line" on every issue.
I'd be happy to give you something more specific. Diminished freedom is, as you said, probably the big reason that people oppose it. There are many nuances to that, of course. Naturally I oppose it strictly on the merits. Our rights are inalienable (ie: they come from our Creator) therefore the government cannot take them away...they did not give them, they cannot take them.
But I'll give you something more concrete. And something probably everyone on the board can possibly identify to. There is a provision which allows the FBI to access library records without a warrant. Let's say that I am doing some research for something I am writing. I check out a book which deals with, I don't know, bombmaking. (assume one of my characters is a terrorist) Okay, the FBI decides to pull a list of those who have checked out "How to Make a Bomb" by Billy Bang. My name is on the list. They now think I am up to no good. So they get a warrant (without having to go before a magistrate...under the act) and they can now search my house. Or, they can detain me without charging me with anything since I am a "terror" suspect. And it goes on from there.
Anyway, I hope that illuminates my stance a little bit. I'm not trying to be secretive or anything, I'm actually having to hold myself back. I don't want to write a lengthy denunciation of the act this close to bedtime.
Brady H.