That is the most important difference--and, in fact, the one difference that kind of gives me the heebie-jeebies thinking about powers like these in the hands of the 'Rats, should we see another 'Rat president. We've seen what some of them--most notably the Clintons--did even without such massive powers. I would like to see the Patriot Act passed, but expiring the moment a 'Rat is elected.
That's one reason I'm happy that it's been reauthorized for only 6 months. (Actually, I'm not sure if it's passed both houses or is still working its way through.)
Dream on.
What are they going to do, make an exception in the law for "those not currently in power?"
Yes, I see them going on and on about the 'rats had a clause in theirs that allowed them to do it, something to do with a reivew or some such nonsense - heck on the one of the politics boards they are actually defending Clinton not taking Osama when he had the chance. They are saying "there was absolutely no reason to do so".
I think they've all lost their minds.