text: why are people so upset about the government being able to tap phone lines and access phone records? if you've got nothing to hide you shouldn't care, right? it is very commendable that you have nothing to hide. but that is not even close to being the point.  for centuries we have been protected by the constitution against "illegal search and seizure". it is one of the most sacred rights that americans have been able to enjoy since our independence. law enforcement or government agencies are only allowed such measures if probable cause can be shown and a judge allows them.  but now the government has began collecting information, tapping phone lines and using other investigative methods without a court order. this is the worst kind of invasion of privacy and a 100% violation of our constitutional rights.   what i also find nearly as disturbing is the fact they the terrorists are getting exactly want they wanted. whether it be illegal detention and torture of suspected terrorists or tapping and spying on us citizens without due cause, the us government is becoming just like the regimes it is trying to change.   how are we to convince foreign governments to adopt our system of government when our own officials disregard our constitution?