[FairOpinion]

Are these four ready to take personal responsibility for the next terrorist attack that may occur as a result of not renewing the Patriot Act?

[Riverman94610]

Craig is one of the most conservative members of the Senate.
What is going on in HIS mind?

[Cboldt]

Are these four ready to take personal responsibility for the next terrorist attack that may occur as a result of not renewing the Patriot Act?

I'm sure they are, if the shortcoming can be traced to the difference between law in effect. But the government has an obligation to use a vigorous defense.

For example, President Bush has the gravitas to go beyond FISA in conducting warrantless sureveillance of communications that involves known terrorists. That sort of mind-set does not depend on Congress. Likewise with data sharing, the court cases are squarley in favor of data sharing, and don't depend on Congressional action.

[Grut]

Are these four ready to take personal responsibility for the next terrorist attack that may occur as a result of not renewing the Patriot Act?

Well, in the first place they're Senators, which means they aren't responsible for anything that happens. But I'm going to say I'm a little leery of the Patriot Act myself; make it strong, make it permanent and in ten years everything the government wants to investigate will be 'terrorism'.

[ndt]

"Are these four ready to take personal responsibility for the next terrorist attack that may occur as a result of not renewing the Patriot Act?"

How about the rest just agree to extend it for a few months or a year? The powers stay as they are and get reviewed again later. As long as they are needed there should be no problem getting an extension. When they are no longer needed they get pulled. Extraordinary government powers *should* a temporary thing.