The aftermath of 9-11 left the government with a broad range of powers, some of which come in conflict with the Constitution. Those in command seemed to wield this power with great relish and sneering contempt. Dissent was not to be tolerated. The song title is based on a quote by then Attorney General John Ashcroft: “To those who scare peace loving people with phantoms of lost liberty, my message is this - your tactics only aid terrorists, for they erode our national unity and diminish our resolve.” Ben Franklin said “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Are we getting what we deserve?

Phantoms (click for sample)

What price peace? What cost victory?
When does ‘It’s them or us!’ become ‘It’s you or me’?
Even when the odds are even When it’s been done and said
You’ll never change somebody’s mind If you put a bullet in their head

The peace we buy with freedom sold is never worth the cost
When ‘Get in line – do as you’re told’ scream the phantoms
Scream the phantoms of liberty lost

Wound up tight. Ready for anything.
We’re gonna pick a fight and you can’t do a thing
Even when the odds are even When it’s been said and done
You’ll never buy your peace of mind With the barrel of a gun

The sheep will bleat of their being saved
And praise the holocaust
Those who resist are marched to their graves
By the phantoms…here come the phantoms…
Here are the phantoms…Of liberty lost