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

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.