Does it make sense to take away freedom, in the name of freedom?

Did the terrorists win when we implemented the Patriot Act? Americans' freedoms were greatly affected, all in the name of security. In the name of fear. We are surrendering the things that make this country the best country in the world. And besides the death of America, isn't that what the terrorists want? If they affect our daily lives where our freedoms are the not same, and our privacy is not the same, then maybe they are winning the battle. The Patriot Act allows the government to spy on its citizens. Police will soon have the right to ask for proof of citizenship, and if you do not have it you can be considered an illegal immigrant. The security at some airports are allowed to do revealing full body scans, which we found out recently are much more revealing that we were led to believe after a TSA employee attacked his colleagues after they made fun of how endowed he is. The government wanted the right to take away citizenship rights for suspected terrorists. It has become a common occurrence lately that freedoms are taken away in order to make us safer. Religious extremists are here to stay, so does that mean some of our freedoms are gone for good? A war on terror may keep the terrorists down, and somewhat control their power, but it won't eliminate them. So should we live in a police state for the rest of our days, where the government apparently has the right to take away any freedoms and privacies that they justify as necessary to protect us? The government will take what we give them, and more unfortunately, because it makes their job easier.

I don't want to understate the threat that terrorists pose to the US, but everyone should not be punished for the actions of few. I understand why the actions were taken, but I don't agree with them. The problem is, it seems every time we give up freedoms in the name of safety, we do not get them back. And with some of these laws aimed at terrorism, if a loose definition of terrorism is applied, then those powers can be used on citizens unjustly. Authority to presume guilt without a trial. Guilty until proven innocent. Some of these laws will never affect the average citizen, but it's still important not to become complacent about freedom. Today it's someone else's freedoms being taken away, but tomorrow it could be your's. Stand up for freedom, because it's what makes life worth living.