I'm not comfortable with the partial revocation of any of the Bill of Rights, sunset provision or not. As with CFR, if they want to partially revoke an Amendment, they can do so by either passing a new Constitutional Amendment or by declaring martial law. That's it.
I'm not comfortable with it either..
But I'm a pragmatist as well..
It's there, chances are something will be agreed to..
There are enough democrats that understand the Patriot Act, as permanent law, will eventually be theirs to invoke.. and abuse to their advantage..
Their present opposition is a ploy..
They will present themselves as opposed, protecting the civil rights of american citizens..
Some "minor" wording will be changed..
The bill will pass..
Once there is a change in administrations, the laws will be re-interpreted and applied to the detriment of every citizen..
I would rather there was no Patriot Act at all..
But if there must be one, let's keep the devil we know, and retain it with existing sunset provisions..
It will still be almost impossible to get rid of, but it will be legally "temporary"...