Analyst's note:  Considering external threats or our own internal threat, Congressman Paul has his priorities correct.  There is much to be said for [....] smaller government, lower taxes, free market capitalism, a strong defense, the right to life and a decent America.

"DES MOINES, Iowa – Ron Paul told a group of conservative Republicans today that he fears the terror tactics of America's own government more than Islamist threats from overseas.

"Our government, instead of protecting our privacy and protecting our Fourth Amendment rights," Paul said, "they protect the secrecy of government and they invade on your privacy."

Paul criticized "50,000 SWAT break-ins without proper search warrants" in the federal government's war on drugs, Obama's decision to assassinate American citizens, including Anwar al-Alwaki, and the Patriot Act of 2001.

"We way overreacted – over my objection – right after 9/11," Paul said. "I see no benefit and no purpose – it undermines liberty – the fact that Congress passed and placed on us the Patriot Act. It should be repealed."

After blasting the federal government's lack of transparency and violation of the U.S. Constitution in both foreign and domestic policy, Paul concluded, "I fear the erosion of our liberties and our economy here at home more than I do any foreign adversary." [....]