Hey Tom,

If YOU are watching with a sharp eye, then I'd have to say I think you're allright.
I come from the other end of the spectrum, because I know the group in power now has world domination on their mind (oh, why not?), and they'll have to be sure they keep the natives in line at home first
.
First, they'll control the media and be careful what gets reported, and how it's coming along; second, they'll have to have "legal" controls in place in case we start getting out of line....you know, in case we OBJECT.
They're going slowly, so as not to startle us.
They want to drag this "war" out so it crosses into the next election so as to "ensure" they have another four good years at installing their plan.

We are living in the most interesting period in over 50 years, and perhaps in world history.

>"Still, the fact that they called it the "Patriot Act" raises a couple of yellow flags in my mind .......it always has a pleasant-sounding appealing name."

The word "patriot" implies someone who loves, supports and defends his country. I'd like a broader definition of that one.
Would that imply that anyone who didn't want to DEFEND the country (even from "domestic terrorists" and define THAT one).....could be seen as "unpatriotic?"