[jokermatt999]

This is just my opinion, and I'd love to hear whether people agree or disagree with it.

I think part of the reason for the lack of outrage over The Patriot Act was the timing. When the Patriot Act was created, it was a short enough time after 9/11 that the US was still strongly emotionally effected by it. It was easier to say "This will prevent terrorism" and be believed.

Years later, it's become easier to take a rational look at the risks and benefits, and see that it's unlikely that such measures will prevent enough terrorism to outweigh the costs.