Works both ways

A while back the boys had some debate topics in their AP Lang class. One of the topics was the Patriot Act. I gave them an argument that could be used for either side.

Because we have no idea where the next attack will come from, we have to do everything in our power to gather all information to protect ourselves.

Because we have no idea where the next attack will come from, nothing we can do will make a difference. Sure we might get a break because of additional surveillance, but who's to say that information couldn't be gathered through conventional channels.

It seems the world has become a muddy place where many issues can be argued based on subjective criteria.

The only black and white anymore is when you look inside and compare your actions against your values. If it's not black and white, then what goes on outside doesn't matter in the long run, because you really don't care.