Obviously the first question we must ask ourselves when considering any sort of political issue is; What Would Superman Do?
Superman can see through anything (except lead, sometimes) right? So how many comics centered around Superman sitting outside libraries and homes, watching every move for signs of terrorist activity?
Oh right. None.
Superman wouldn't rifle through our credit card records to see if we pre-ordered tickets to his next movie. Just like he wouldn't track down everyone in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve. Because Superman believes in American values - Superman believes in freedom.
There's a war on terrorism. But there's also a war on drugs, and we don't let cops sit around in someone's living room until they light up.
Sure, the Patriot Act protects us. But America is a country based on freedom. The way to respond to an act of terrorism is not to be terrified. America will be here long after we are gone, and with it all of the values generations of Americans have tried to instill in this country.
Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness. Not "Life regardless of the cost."