text: what are the main threats to our (us) democratic way of life? aside from the obvious and repugnant terrorist strategies, what else is currently threatening to spoil our democratic way of life and erode our personal liberties and constitutional rights?      i thank you for your sincere and thoughtful commentaries. of course the patriot act, but look who is behind that act and you will find none other than america's biggest threat; george w. bush.  any die hard bush fans out there doesn't have to bother calling me a liberal, i am a true independent and can't stand either extreme side in politics.  i walk with my eyes wide open, i do my own thinking and i don't worry about having to tote a party line and argue for a certain platform.