When the Orlando Sentinel starts publishing opinion pieces like this, you know that BushCo is in serious trouble.Recently, I read The Prince. Niccoló Machiavelli writes that the ideal ruler is ruthless and will do anything to enhance his own power or his nation's. His overall political philosophy is simple: The ends justify the means.
Although The Prince is almost 500 years old, President Bush appears to believe in Machiavellian politics. His Patriot Act allows the government to delve deeply into our personal lives. In the interest of "national security," we're losing something precious -- the Bill of Rights. When the Constitution was created, many were afraid it gave the national government too much power. The Founding Fathers promised a bill of rights to guarantee the freedom of the people. Now, these rights are being eroded. Warrants for wiretapping are much easier for the government to acquire. The suspect's name isn't even needed. Other invasions of privacy and personal freedom are also permissible under the Patriot Act. Is it still safe to exercise my First Amendment rights and write this commentary? Do I have to fear being wiretapped? If the answer to that is yes, are the means allowable under the Patriot Act justified by the goal of total national security? No.
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http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edpnewvoices19b071903jul19,0,3072260.storyNote: Alexander Hart, 15, is a sophomore in the international baccalaureate program at Winter Park High School in Florida. Very perceptive young man!
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