Reply #60: Great list.

[JDPriestly]

With regard to the Patriot Act.

It is especially important that the government be prohibited from reading, eavesdropping or listening in on political communications by citizens of the US.

It is also imperative that the government be prohibited from reading, eavesdropping or listening in on attorney-client privileged communications. The streaming of internet communications, wiretapping without a specific warrant, etc., of American citizens in and out of the country is a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment.

My political speech is none of the US government's business even though it is absolutely harmless and supportive of the Constitution and everything our Forefathers fought for. It's the principle of the thing.

My ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War among others did not fight for Homeland Security or for their own safety.

They risked their safety, their lives to fight for the ideals of freedom, independence, respect for every human being, the right to vote in free elections, the end of slavery, a fair tax system, a fair chance for all, and against aristocracy, plutocracy and monopolies.

They were all immigrants, albeit long ago. Theirs is the America that I believe in. They are the reason I am on DU.

I have the right to speak my mind and share my thoughts without government surveillance. So do all peaceful citizens.