What strikes you about James Madison's words in Federalist's 10? Do you see paralles in the modern United States and the warnings and concerns Madison expressed in his essay?

There is an interesting parallel regarding Madison's idea that it is impossible to eliminate the cause of conflict within a functioning republic--that is, if liberty is maintained. However, certain US provisions in recent years (think the Patriot Act and NDAA) seem to be aimed at eliminating the root cause of conflict--thereby replacing liberty itself.