Ok Rabbi. Your question is questionable. It's almost unrealistic to ask what I used to do that I can't do now. I still drive a car and travel freely? Yes. Go to a store and buy what I like ? Yes. Can I fly on a plane? Well, yes, with tons of hassles that didn't exist before the Patriot Act. That hasn't really changed. That's not the point. Our privacy is being taken away. Rights in the Bill of Rights are being twisted. I don't need to be accused of not having a moral standing because I'm comparing the similaries between Chavez and Bush. You may have went to a Yeshiva, but I have a degree in Political Science.
Government snooping without a warrant. A gathering database of personal info. Scaning emails, phone calls, and all electronic communications. Access to bank accounts and medical records. My right to privacy with a doctor no longer exists. Remember that one, Rabbi? I'm not a lawbreaker, but I feel that info gathering/searches without a warrant are illegal. I feel my privacy has been invaded without probable cause and without a warrant.
Protesters cannot always exercise their free speech. They are being corraled in so called "free speech zones". Isn't this a violation? I think so. I don't really care if you or anyone else says it isn't.
Unlawful detention without access to bail, lawyers, due process, etc. to anyone declared an enemy of the state. People detained for holding up a sign that says "Bush Lied" along a parade/motorcade route. Most anyone can be declared an enemy of the state. Is this good enough for you? Sounds like Venezuela. Or someplace worse.
I think our rights to privacy and due process are slowly being taken away. Or do you blindly support an encroaching police state? I don't. Perhaps you need to do some libertarian reading.
Are the leader of China and Saudi Arabia better than Chavez because they violate human rights but don't call Bush names? I think not. My point is that if you boycott Chavez, you might be a hyprocrite if you don't boycott China and Saudi products as well. There's a lot to boycott in this world.
Here's a copy of our Bill of Rights. Read it. Learn it. Live it. Protect it.
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
