"The state-worshipers are slowly taking over Free Republic."
Others would say the black helo crowd is taking over, but that is neither here nor there.
Could you point out the specific text of the Patriot Act that violates civil rights? At the recent Judiciary Hearing, not one witness of ACLU, Human Rights First, Amnesty International and 2 Zogby's could name one violation of a civil right by the Patriot Act.
I find section 802 to be particularly troubling.
`(5) the term `domestic terrorism' means activities that--
`(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;
Speeding on the highway, jaywalking...
`(B) appear to be intended-- `(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
Writing a letter to the editor that criticizes some aspect of Government...
`(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
Protesting at an abortion clinic, participating in an anti-war demonstration...
`(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and
They got one definition right...
`(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.'.
Now maybe none of these abuses would occur under the benevolent guidance of GW Bush, but do you really want these powers available to someone like Hillary?
Pretty obvious, isn't it? Sections 213 through 218 are my "favorites" in there.