Congress is reviewing the patriot act today. I often wondered how this was passed in the first place. To quote a friend “Show him something shiny, so he will shut up”. I believe this concept was used first hand with the patriot act. I often think that the folks, who worked to enact it, had to be wondering themselves how they would trample all over the rights of the people and make them think they were getting something shiny. That must be how the name patriot came into the picture. The word ‘Patriot’ sounds American as apple pie. Hey if the people liked that shiny name, there’s more where that came from. Let’s slide “Eagle” in there. You can find many articles on the issue with a simple Google search. Here is one from the register.
“He (Gonzales) has indicated that the Bush Administration might compromise slightly on some of the most objectionable permanent provisions, such as so-called "sneak and peek" warrants, or, as the Justice Department prefers to call them, "delayed notification" warrants, that allow the Feds to break into your house secretly, execute a search, and not tell you about it until they wish to.”
What? I think there are some real laws of security that many folks are forgetting, the bill of rights. Now arguments may rise that “technically we can get around this because the bill of rights doesn’t specifically state….yada, yada, yada.” This sounds like many of the social engineers whose path crossed mine in life. They always want to skirt around the issue and ride the line. You see much of the same thing coming from the adware/spyware companies with their EULA’s. Our politicians and Law enforcement agency’s need to recognize that the most important security, is the security of people’s rights and freedom. My love for freedom and the rights of the people is the motivation that I needed to enlist in the Army. It is the motivation that drives me to fight viruses and share information on potential attacks. It however scares me to think that people are willing to give up that security when they are shown something shiny.
Without further ado, here are the real laws of security.
Amendment I
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.
Amendment II
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.
Amendment III
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.
Amendment IV
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.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
You can read all of them here.