Even before Sept. 11, the United States had increasingly become a ``tattletale culture.'' Now, in fighting terrorism, the nation's most powerful institutions are accelerating the trend.
Will Americans regret it down the road? And will those who question new threats to personal freedoms have their patriotism questioned -- as we have seen in recent debates over the performance of the nation's law enforcement and intelligence services?
Before the terrorists struck, there was already ample opportunity for Americans to turn in their fellow citizens. There were hot lines for anonymous drug tips. Eighteen-wheelers roared the interstates with 1-800-BADDRIVER bumper stickers on their tailgates. Tip lines on …
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