under the usa patriot act, the fbi can tap the internet connections and get other records from public libraries, and the library is not allowed to let patrons know they're being watched. here's how some librarians are protesting.

when i was at the library a little while back, someone actually came in asking for books or information about enriched uranium. i have little doubt that he's on some government watch list now.

i've been seeing lots of references to the old yakov smirnoff punchline: in soviet union, television watches you! (not a direct quote.) my contribution to the spread of this meme: in america, library checks you out!