Originally Posted by cjhmdm

People who do not believe their freedoms are being diminished will only continue to live in denial when someone tries to tell them otherwise. Most Americans actually believe that our government is doing what's best for the people. This is a simple fact that you cannot, and will not change their minds.

But for those who don't know.. the "Patriot Act" goes against everything in the US constitution.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
While there may be no documented laws stating otherwise, those who enforce the laws and act on the behalf of the government (police, military, et al) strip you of the right to free speech every single day.
Freedom of religion? Right. Ask any muslim if they feel that right has been or is being stomped on every single day.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Anti gun laws do one thing, and one thing only... they make it more and more difficult for upstanding citizens to have a means to defend themselves. This is not because they want guns off the street, but instead to strip more power and freedom from the citizens of the US.

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
This one is up in the air because, on a whim, the government can declare that "war" is going on, and then declare and practice martial law.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Do I honestly need to explain the many, many, many ways this has been violated?

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Search youtube for "police brutality".

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
Hint: there are "concentration camps" inside the US, sanctioned by the US government.

I could go on for days, but I'd be wasting my time. Those of you who truly believe you have freedom, I must say you need to wake up.