Carol, to the extent that is true, I think it's more likely they are remaining anonymous because they are scared of the political implications of speaking their minds. In other words, they don't say what they think because they're afraid of losing public support, and possibly losing the next election. I don't think they are worried that they'll be killed or hauled off to jail for dissenting; they just want to make sure they don't suffer in the public opinion polls.

If I'm right, shame on them -- it's their duty to speak out, whatever the consequences. As I indicated before, I'm not all that worried about the supposed erosion of our liberties; I just don't see that happening. But if a Senator or Congressman is worried about it, but doesn't speak up because he/she doesn't want to be unpopular -- well, that's a person who has no business being in Congress in the first place.