As I was looking for a pan to use, I thought of the cast iron skillet that I need to season all over again. Thank you very much, oxidation. Then, by some crazy connection method in my mind, I instantly thought about how the government allows the NSA to SCAN through our e-mails using a device called ECHELON for words that may pertain to terrorism. This disturbs me. After thinking about that, I thought of the USA PATRIOT Act. Yes, to those who wonder, the Patriot Act isn’t that at all. It’s an acronym. Here’s what it means:
The
Uniting
and
Strengthening
America
by
Providing
Appropriate
Tools
Required
to
Intercept
and
Obstruct
Terrorism
Act of 2001. Now, catch your breath.
Your first reaction might involve saying words that one wouldn’t usually say in front of children. This is normal and okay. Despite a need for clarification, it is not recommended that one read the entire Act. Instead, try the book 1984, By George Orwell. It’s supposed to be more fun. If you need information from the Act, allow me to provide some information: The Act allows federal agents to obtain warrants to search your home, should they have a modicum of evidence supporting their allegations. They don’t have to tell you about the warrant, or the search. The Act also allows the Feds to tap your phones. You think that’s not bad? It’s also allowed the government to take people from their homes in the middle of the night, detain them as long as they please, even deny people the right of legal representation.
Now, some people may say, “If you’re doing nothing wrong, then you should have nothing to hide,” or something to that extent. That’s got to be the dumbest thing I have heard in my life. Now, before your feathers get ruffled, think about the Bill of Rights. When I read it, I saw nothing about the first ten amendments being contingent. Nor did I see anything about the remainder of the amendments being contingent. When the First Amendment was created, it was meant to be effective at all times for all American citizens. So were amendments Two through Ten. Think about it. Then, e-mail a copy of the Bill of Rights to yourself. Or to a friend. Or an enemy. Let the NSA read that.