Like many, I grew up with the notion that the American justice system was built upon integrity, honor, and most importantly fairness. It was this idea that even if the most powerless, the most underprivileged were brought to the steps of Justice these noble principles would easily prevail. However, with the recent enactment of the Patriot Act and other measures to “protect” our freedoms, we have actually seen an unmistakable assault on our Bill of Rights. For generations tyrannical majorities have used the excuse of National Security to undermine the liberties of the minority. It is senseless to trade liberty for security; yet many are willing and even eager to substitute one fear for another. But, more importantly with such an exchange we abandon what it means to be American; we abandon the principles of fairness, integrity, honor and justice, cornerstones of our history. We must make it clear that there should be no quid pro quo; liberty should not be up for barter.