So, Vermont, usually one of the more freedom loving states in the Union, has joined New York in being one of the first two states to impliment a potentially liberty diminishing new information system.
http://www.benningtonbanner.com/Stories/0,1413,104~8676~2184452,00.html
It may seem a small thing, easy to write off as "oh they won't abuse this extra information access"", or "it should be *mostly* accurate". However this is how people lose freedom, not usually in a sweeping implimentation of governmental tyranny - but rather a slow shuffling one step at a time. Each little step bringing us futher into bondage. The terrorists win if we keep giving up the very freedoms that have made us a great nation. And slowly but surely we are. And now Vermont, with NY, is taking the lead in implimenting even more measures of the draconian and Big Brotherly "Patriot Act"!
Whether you are politically right, left, middle, or off the chart; history shows a pattern that too much government intrusion into citizens lives ALWAYS ends badly for everybody. Sooner or later. It may well be a bit more dangerous to give our citizens more freedom to read, speak and think as they wish. Freedom is not safe or easy.
On the path we are on - how much longer will it be until I really need to fear for my own safety for even posting such a story as this? I *think* we are not there yet . . . . but you do hear stories of folks getting pulled out of school and their jobs now for having political slogans on their T-Shirts, so its getting closer.