What are the Appropriate Parameters of "Force Potection"

The military has broad ability to act proactively against perceived threats. The concept seems quite commonsensical and prudent. However, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a threat, too lies in the eyes and minds of those charged with protecting the military. In the post-9/11 world it appears that the perception of what constitutes a "threat" has apparently expanded. They are now operating under the belief that the Patriot Act broadened their authority to engage in investigations within the US. This includes most notably the surveillance of various groups engaged in peaceful protests against the war. This to light when a Vermont church group was subjected to defense department surveillance. Shockingly, Big "Swingin' Dick" Cheney finds these expanded efforts legal and no threat to civil liberties. I don't know about you, but Cheney's assertion assuages all my concerns.

Much to the chagrin of the CIA, the defense department has also expended its intelligence gathering activities overseas. This was an initiative pushed strenuously by former Secretary of State Rumsfeld, whose disdain for the CIA is well-chronicled.