Critics: Patriot Act Warnings Come to Fruition
Critics of the Patriot Act say the 2001 law, which was intended to enhance police powers to track terrorists, has recently been misused to investigate a political scandal in Las Vegas.
The same folks who warned that provisions in the Patriot Act are too far-reaching and could infringe on the civil liberties of regular Americans say the Las Vegas case is the first — but certainly not the last — example of federal law enforcement using its broadened surveillance powers to prosecute domestic criminals who do not threaten national security.
"It would seem to me the fact that the FBI is wasting any time at all prosecuting strip club owners is good news for terrorists," said George Getz, national spokesman for the Libertarian Party, which is calling for the repeal of the Patriot Act, passed shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.
Who said, "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help"?
And the problem here is...?