Some of us are old enough to remember how civil liberties were impacted by the "cold war" and "clear and present danger". Many people lost their jobs, some were assaulted by so-called "patriots", many immigrants were denied fair and equal treatment, invasion of privacy by the government was used to intimidate those suspected of subversion though they were innocent. The burden of proof was not on the courts.

I think it's important not to give up one's rational view of how things work during wartime and not unequivocally hand over our civil liberties to a mindless "patriotism".

This country was built on the principle that it isn't perfect and can use some constructive criticism from time to time. This is truly being patriotic.

I believe there is a danger that civil liberties can be negatively impacted by over-zealous and ambitious politicans.

Frank