Slashdot linked to this article wired magazine article where the FBI delayed their own investigation in an attempt to bolster support for a Patriot act power to issue National Security Letters (NSL).

During an investigation into the 2005 London Bombings the FBI ordered a field agent to return documentation obtained via subpoena, so they could instead demand the documentation through an NSL.

From the article:

Under the USA Patriot Act, FBI counterterrorism investigators can self-issue such letters to get phone records, portions of credit reports and bank records, simply by certifying that the records are relevant to an investigation. Unlike subpoenas, NSLs do not require probable cause, and at the time obliged the recipient to not discuss the demand with anyone, ever. In contrast, gag orders attached to grand jury subpoenas have expiration dates.

Over a hundred thousand NSL's have been issued so far, there have been a few ACLU cases against them, and so far they have been ruled unconstitutional. That has not stopped the FBI from issuing these letters. Furthermore, the FBI routinely includes a gag order with the letter, stopping those served with the order from talking about it, as this article discusses.

Sadly, most of this activity is going on without a murmur of protest. If you mention this to an average person they will write you off as a conspiracy nut. News shows are still more concerned with Brittany Spears new self inflicted haircut, or Heath Ledgers death. Spread the word. Don't meekly let your rights slip away without uttering a word. Send a note to your congressmen. Better still start voting for third party candidates. Convince your leaders that you will vote their ass out of office no matter what party they represent.