I'm disappointed in you, America

Suzy:

"The following information seems to be fair game for collection without a warrant: the e-mail addresses you send to and receive from, and the subject lines of those messages; the phone numbers you dial, the numbers that dial in to your line, and the durations of the calls; the Internet sites you visit and the keywords in your Web searches; the destinations of the airline tickets you buy; the amounts and locations of your ATM withdrawals; and the goods and services you purchase on credit cards."

For the whole article

More than just another conspiracy theory, this article is well supported by government documents from the Congress and the Senate dating back to the 1950s, as well as government memos and testimony from high ranking officials. It details how the federal government has had a "contingency plan" for times of national emergency since the cold war. This "plan" completely suspends the Constitution and places control of the federal government under FEMA, who so brilliantly handled our last emergency, and lines out which government officials will be placed in power with complete use of military forces.

Of course the federal government should be concerned with what would happen in case of emergency. But, the Constitution wasn't just written for the easy times or for for the times when it's convenient. It was written for the toughest times in our history to ensure that the United States would be a shining example of functioning democracy. With all the bullshit (sorry, parents) domestic spying programs and holding people without chance of trial and everything else that is happening (against our own US citizens!?!), Congress really needs to grow a backbone and limit the executive powers. They're the only ones who can, according to the Constitution.

Feds at border can search and seize your electronics for any reason they want

Another reason to encrypt your personal data

America, America. Is the shadow in the corner really that scary? That we would suspend democracy in favor of tyranny? “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety,” -Ben Franklin. Congress, seriously. Grow a pair. Surveillance should not be allowed on American citizens without a warrant. American citizens should not be proclaimed "enemy combatants" by the executive branch and thus have all of their rights promised in the Bill of Rights suspended. The federal government should have no access to bank records, music or photo files, or any other personal information that you may store on your computer without a warrant. American citizens should not be afraid of their own government or of losing the rights guaranteed to them with no warning. How do you find out if you are on this suspect watch list or terror watch list? You don't. Until they arrest you and you have no rights left. Come on!