If you insist.
Posted on 12/14/2005 6:41:15 AM PST by RWR8189
On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists inspired by hatred murdered nearly 3,000 innocent Americans. In response, Congress overwhelmingly passed the USA Patriot Act. Now, before it adjourns for the year, Congress must act again to reauthorize this critical piece of legislation. Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations are at work: Their stated goal is to kill Americans, cripple our economy and demoralize our people.
The bill to be considered this week is a good one. It equips law enforcement with the tools needed to fight terrorists, and it also includes new civil liberties protections. Members of Congress should put aside the rhetoric and focus on the facts surrounding this vital legislation.
The Patriot Act has been successful in helping prevent acts of terrorism in many ways. First, it updated anti-terrorism and criminal laws to reflect evolving technologies. Second, it increased penalties for those who commit terrorist crimes. Third, it gave terrorism investigators the same tools used by those who pursue drug dealers and the Mafia. Most important, the act helped break down the wall preventing regular exchange of information between the law enforcement and intelligence communities.
Four years later, after a lengthy and extensive public debate, Congress has produced a comprehensive reauthorization bill to permanently reauthorize 14 of the act's 16 expiring provisions. During this important debate, Republicans and Democrats have discovered that concerns raised about the act's impact on civil liberties, while sincere, were unfounded. There have been no verified civil liberties abuses in the four years of the act's existence.
Furthermore, the new bill adds 30 safeguards to protect privacy and civil liberties. Specifically, it includes measures providing that those who receive national security letters may consult an attorney and challenge the request in court;
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
"The president has said that our number-one priority is preventing another catastrophic terrorist attack. Congress must act immediately and reauthorize the Patriot Act before the men and women in law enforcement lose the tools they need to keep us safe."
Call me a right-wing nut, but I feel that protecting our civil liberties for future generations is far more important than preventing terrorist attacks.
Take for instance: "...requires high-level Justice Department sign-off before investigators may ask a court to order production of certain sensitive records"
Does this mean that in 2009 when Hillary wants all of Rush's medical, financial and phone records, she will have to get Atty General Reno's approval?
Start inspecting semi trailers, railroad freight cars and all containers coming in by sea or rail.
Stop South of the Borders (SOB) truck drivers from driving in the U.S.A.
Arm the commercial and cargo airline pilots...finally
quit dragging your feet and piling up chicken crap rules and hoops to make them give up on carrying concealed.
imo
Alberto Gonzales needs to get off his ass, get out from behind his keyboard, and take care of 'old business'.
Update on the Investigation and Indictment of John F. Kerry
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1538990/posts
Despite you, AG.
Sorry, Bert. I don't trust the opinions of gun-grabbers on issues like this. Go away.
*Me estas picando los ojos Alberto*
If you insist.
Alberto Gonzalez seems to be a big fan of Andrew Young and Gary Hart. How will his successor use this act?
Not at all; it means that President Rodham will have to get Atty General Guinier's approval.
I know that, for all his flaws, John Ashcroft was seen as being good on the 2nd amendment. What is Gonzels' position?
Strong anti.
Because they expect the people to go apesh!t when they finally hear about the planned North American Community.
The next president will be in charge of cramming through what Jorge, Vincente and Paul have started.
He supported the Assault Weapons Ban reauthorization under the premise that his brother is a police officer and assault weapons could kill cops. He might as well be part of the Brady Bunch.
So that's one more reason to hate the torture apologist. Good to know.
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