As an american, ( not just a republican or democrat ) I understand one thing..
I don't throw out the constitution when things aren't going my way..
Too many people around here seem to forget a basic tenet of government..
Government will always seek more power over the people..
Once a power over the people is gained, government will never willingly give it up..
Once government has a power to utilize it will invariably abuse that power..
The Patriot Act was never a "good" idea..
It was a quick fix for a percieved emergency situation..
It was approved during a national panic..
That fact was recognized, and that's why there was a sunset provision..
If you want to extend what is already bad law, fine..
But don't make it permanent law..
Keep the Sunset provision..
Require that it be reviewed and renewed every 2 years or so..
Even at that, chances are it will become a permanently approved item every 2 years for perpetuity..
Personally, I'd just let it die.. Good Riddance..
The Patriot Act was crafted under the Clinton regime and was on the shelf waiting - 9/11 gave the statist politicians in Washington - Democrat and Republican alike - the opportunity to implement their big government/Orwellian wish list.
That really bears repeating.
Personally, I'm dumbfounded by how so many around here seem to believe that 9/11 has somehow made the government able to solve at least some of society's problems, and that granting it more power somehow magically enables it to do something right to keep us safe.
The last time I checked, that's the way that Democrats think, not Republicans. The belief that the government can effectively fight terrorism makes about as much sense as the belief that the government can effectively fight poverty. The result is the same, however - increased government power beyond its original limits.