I believe Jed is right and we will pass through this current crisis with our liberties intact. However, we, the people, need to be vigilent to the fact that John Ashcroft managesd to get another inland police force authorised in this country and that he is not the person who would be my first choice to guard my liberties. Here is a man who couldn't win an election against a dead guy. He is avowedly religious right wing. There are good points to the homeland security agency but the idea of an all encompassing security agency is a bit frightening. Also the intended function is to co-ordinate all intelligence relating to national security. the 1947 charter establishing the CIA did that once or tried to. Once this bureaucracy is in place, it will be almost impossible to get rid of. And who do they wiretap when we are done with this current crop of terrorists? Will they invent terrorists to spy on? Just a few questions to ponder. Kindest regards, Neil