Credit card checks, phone taps, library card checks. Whoop-de-do. If one attack is stoped by these 'horrific intrusions', it's worth it. You do realize that such intrusions are NOT allowed for civil and non-terrorist criminal matters. Should such be done and the result uncover criminal but not terrorist activities, it's "fruit of the poisoned tree". I see NO analogy to Nazi Germany or to Soviet Russia here.

We need a STRONGER Patriot Act not a gelded one to avoid offending the perpetually offended. I would, however, put a sunset provision of 6 years such that future Senates, etc. would have to vote to renew.