Former Georgia congressman Bob Barr, a one-time Republican turned Libertarian, lamented Saturday the loss of privacy because the federal government considers it necessary in the fight against terrorism.

Speaking to the Georgia Libertarian Party's state convention, Barr said Republican and Democratic national leaders were trying to erase the protections of the Bill of Rights, and some citizens seem willing to let that happen because they believe claims that is necessary for national security.

"There are not enough of us left who have not bought into the siren song," Barr said. "What is at stake is the very foundation of liberty."

The party met in Gwinnett County on Saturday to nominate candidates for three statewide offices — the U.S. Senate and two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities.

Allen Buckley, a Smyrna attorney, plans to run for the Senate seat now held by Republican Saxby Chambliss.

Brandon Givens, a Hall County teacher, and John Monds, a Green County stay-at-home dad, are running for separate PSC seats.

Some of the Libertarians' primary concerns are less government regulation and oversight and the protections promised in the U.S. Constitution. That was the theme of Barr's talk.

"What this document has come to be in 2008 is different from what was adopted [originally]," Barr said.

He tried to make his point by holding up a copy of the Bill of Rights with almost all the words erased.

Left was a passage from the 4th Amendment— "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects ... shall ... be" — followed by five words in the 10th Amendment — "delegated to the United States."

One of the biggest threats now, Barr said, is pending legislation to replace an expired temporary law authorizing warrantless surveillance of electronic communications by suspect terrorists.

President Bush wants to give telecommunications companies immunity from civil suits if they cooperated with the warrantless wiretapping program between Sept. 11, 2001, and January 2007.

The U.S. Senate and House have adopted different versions of the law.

The Senate bill protects telecommunications companies from lawsuits if they provide information without a warrant from a secret court set up under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. The House bill is silent on the issue.

Barr said those who side with the president on the issue are "using fear" to make their arguments.

"Protecting privacy is the basis for civilization," Barr said.

Christopher Barber chairman of the DeKalb County Libertarian Party, said Barr's warnings are "on the money.

"There are many people in this country that feel there is something very, very wrong." Barber said.