Read the Heilein doctrine - not that long a read - and he does rant a bit, eh ? Almost as bad as monkey at times.
The major erosions of liberty have been ongoing for a very, very long time. The most onerous infrigements, imo, started with the anti-drug laws (before the bushI war on drugs) - where no-knock entry, 'probable cause without warrant search and detain', confiscation of assets without trial by jury (the only real due process), and penalties far exceeding reason (10 years plus for marijuana possession) were implemented. Let's count the number of Constitutional violations that occurred with the 'drugs' excuse. Pretty much the entire Bill of Rights. The 'Patriot Act' - although harsher - does not come close to this in 'original damage'.
Of more import, however, is not the damage to the Bill of Rights that was done - but the damage to the psyche of the Nation - Conditioning on a mass scale of acceptance of authoritarian rule. Of what use are a Bill of Rights to a nation of sheeple that will not enforce them - because they have been conditioned to 'surrender to authority' ?
Good stopping point, i think.
Take care, all - and Non Carborundum Illegitimae !!!!


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good ...