Nicole: play fair now: when did I say, "government is a benevolent puppy that wouldn't do a thing to harm it's citizens?"

Don: yes, I did say that, and I believe that a lot of folks are exhibiting a large dose of paranoia.

As Rick said earlier, things have changed since 9/11 (or words to that effect). Things will never be the same as they were, and yes, in order to effectively fight terrorism, we may have to sacrifice liberties that we have always enjoyed prior to 9/11. The terrorists are aware of those liberties, and do you for a minute think they will not use them to further their own cause? Operating manuals have been found instructing terrorists how to take advantage of our free society's laws in order to do just that.

I hope the government uses its new powers wisely. There will be instances when it does not I'm sure. I will not condone government's actions when they do not. I am not going to live in fear, though, because I am afraid the government is going to place me under survellience, or tap my phone lines or install cameras in my bedroom. My enemy is the terrorists, not my government.

DougR