Revised and updated.
This is why you don’t pass shit like the Patriot Act.
Now, before some jackass jumps up and says that drug dealers and gang members are scum, blah blah blah, remember–the fucking Patriot Act was put in place to fight “terrorism.” We already have lots and lots of laws regarding drug dealing and gang activity–activities which can only be described as “terrorism” if that term is so broadly defined as to include virtually any illegal acts. And the government swore up and down that the powers granted to it under the Patriot Act would be used judiciously and sparingly to keep Americans safe. Ahem. Ha ha!
Once more: This is why you don’t trust the government, or any institution, to rein itself in. You’d think we’d have learned that lesson by now. Self-regulation in government always, always fails. I think I’m gonna go drink with Scout now.