Who (individuals and groups) is going to respond, and how will they respond? Or is this just another line in the sand, that once crossed will just be the same sand that everyone buries their heads in?

[img]http://www.platinumrogue.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/smilies/wave.gif[/img]say hi to the nice mr. BATFE man

I've never read the book, but I'll speak to this otherwise.

The law itself is not an inintended consequence, but will provide many opportunities for unintended consequences in the future.  Since our legal system is guided by the rule of precedent, this can set the stage for IMAGINARY rationales for trampling civil liberties.  Remember that they said that even the APPEARANCE of corruption is enough to restrict 1st Ammendment rights.  How long until the requirement of getting a search warrant is gone, after all "He appeared to be a drug dealer!"