Can the FBI legally break into your home & install listening devices

[no_hypocrisy]

(bugs) without your knowlege, your permission, and without a warrant because of the PATRIOT Act? Even if you aren't actively politically (save for an occasional opinion that runs contrary to the Administration), you have an ordinary, quiet life, etc.

And one more thing, if someone "turned you in" to the FBI, etc. as being "dangerous" (again, maybe because of your opinions on record), would that be enough to trigger an investigation?

[BobBoudelangFan69]

1. Can You Speak Up? You Are Being Heard.

[shraby]

2. In a word, yes.

In fact they can go into your home even if it's locked and you're not there, rifle through your things looking for evidence then never tell you they were there. If no evidence of whatever they went in for is not found you will never know.
This is called the "sneak and peek" powers they've gained.

[Kagemusha]

3. It's supposed to be for a reason, you know.

And being active politically is certainly not supposed to be such a reason in and of itself. You would have to be suspected of something specific enough to warrant the effort. Remember, even if it's legal, it costs man-hours that do not grow on trees. The FBI doesn't want to waste resources unless it has what it believes is a good reason to justify effort.

But yes, if someone reports you as being an Al Qaeda mole hell-bent on destroying America, you might be investigated. You would have been before the PATRIOT Act. Not all investigations result in wiretaps.

[acmejack]

4. Or an eco terrorist

But the word is it used on "dissenters" as well. But who knows, they are secret.

[Vietnam68]

5. Yes, and yes.

Silence is assent.