I read that in a news story discussing “Lawmakers Focus on Patriot Act Extension”
http://www.wtop.com/index.php?nid=116&sid=134058 that really made me think of the Ben Franklin quote I see from time to time: “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
In addition, Bush is politicizing the most recent bombings in London as a means to push legislation to extend the Patriot Act. “Bush sees London attacks as reason for Patriot Act”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050720-102536-4094r.htm
I really have a problem with seeing this document passing again. Why? Because the items that violate the Bill of Rights are still there. It’d make sense to pass the portions of the act that gives more money to support state & local jurisdictions. But that damned document still has those laws in place which violate the Bill of Rights. First, read this:
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
The Patriot Act allows the FBI to conduct secret searches without a warrant, access personal information, and jail people without charges. This can be done to regular Americans. I remember that the first Patriot Act was passed without congress even reading it, which was bad enough. I hope that this extension does not pass. It gives one branch of the government too much authority to violate the constitution. When I think about it, the commander in chief was elected to uphold the constitution and swore an oath to it. At the same time the commander in chief passes legislation to stymie the Bill of Rights. I just do not get it. I know the Patriot Act sucks. Why? Read on…
Patriot Act report documents civil rights complaints
http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/07/21/justice.civil.liberties/
Report on USA Patriot Act Alleges Civil Rights Violations
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0721-01.htm
USA Patriot Act, Civil Rights, Privacy Issues
http://usliberals.about.com/od/patriotactcivilrights/
