Give Me Liberty

Our Country was founded by people who understood first hand the abuses of absolute power. They created a Constitution that insured the protection of individual rights. They fought and gave their lives to create a Nation that would be exempt from the whimsical powers of absolute monarchs. Their sacrifices and insight protected us against the absolute power of Monarchs and rulers who could imprison without any charge. They protected us against the use of torture. They protected our privacy rights.
What has happened to us over the 200 plus years of our Country's existence that we would so tamely give up that for which many of our founders gave their lives? Somewhere along the line we have confused the symbol of our rights with the actual rights. We pledge allegiance to the flag not our Constitution. Many think they fought and that some died for the flag. They have embroiled us in a battle to protect the symbol of our liberties rather than our liberties as codified in the Constitution. It is like a conjuring trick. While all our eyes are focused on the conspicuous left hand the coin is disappearing in the right. While all our eyes focus on the flag, the symbol of our liberties, those liberties which the flag stands for are being thoroughly undermined.
All patriots for this Country do not die in a glorious charge behind our flag. Many patriots have sacrificed their lives and died to protect individual rights and our Constitution. I would rather sacrifice my life to the stray terrorist who only might slip through those measures allowable by our Constitution--rather than sacrifice all of my liberties. We are behaving like the man who gives away everything of value because he is frightened of being robbed. We have given away, without even a whimper that which is most precious to us. The bold words of Patrick Henry best express my feelings-- "Give me liberty or give me death!" I pray that this nation still has enough patriots in the mold of Patrick Henry that we will not allow Bush's usurpation of our Constitutional Liberties. I would be proud to be counted among those patriots who have sacrificed their lives rather than sacrifice our liberties.How dare those who cower so before the terrorists that they would sacrifice our Constitution; claim to be the standard bearers of Freedom! Instead they dishonor and defile our Nation. I do not tremble before the terrorists!
FISA should not have been renwed, but now that it has we must investigate how the unchecked powers of FISA have been and are being used and potentially misused.