Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

August 28, 2008

As the Bush administration trickles away into regrettable history, it is quietly taking steps to make permanent its assault on the Bill of Rights.

Through a series of executive orders and other enactments, the administration is expanding the federal government?s ability to compile dossiers on private citizens and keep them under official surveillance.

One measure expands the practice of intelligence-sharing between local police and federal agencies.

Another directive permits the FBI target individual citizens for surveillance and official investigation ?without any basis for suspicion,? in the words of two senators briefed on that classified measure. It would authorize the use of wiretaps, scrutiny of confidential financial records, and other invasions of privacy against people not suspected of any actual crime.

The Homeland Security Department has advised Americans traveling abroad that it will inspect and confiscate laptop computers and cellphones at its discretion.

Unless defeated now, these garrison state measures will continue into the indefinite future.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.