[Peach]

Disappointed that the Republicans weren't screaming about the Patriot Act going into oblivion in December of this year.

This is the first I've heard that. Guess the Republicans were too busy deciding that further taxing oil companies (which will result in an increase in the cost of gas) is more important than actually doing something about the Patriot Act.

[proud American in Canada]

I'm disappointed, too. Yes, there have been criticisms, but I think we need the Patriot Act, certainly in some form, to continue the domestic fight on terrorism.

Guess the Republicans were too busy deciding that further taxing oil companies (which will result in an increase in the cost of gas)

I hadn't heard that, but apparently they were trying to make a statement that they were for the "little people."(most people won't realize that corporations will automatically pass on their costs).

I think a much more effective and dramatic statement to that effect would be to get rid of all federal taxes on gasoline.

But then, we wouldn't want to do anything that would lessen the amount coming into the federal treasury, now would we? ;)