[sam_paine]

So if instead of enacting a police-state law that applies to all Americans (consider the braod definition of terrorism), why not a law relating to different disposable cell phones owned by the same suspect?

Not even that. Why not have an "OOPS...not terrorism! My Bad!" clause backing up the whole Patriot Act.

That is, just stipulate that any evidence found in a "terrorism" investigation CANNOT and WILL NOT be used in any NON-TERRORIST prosecution.

• Break in looking for UBL, but find only potheads, the cops leave.
• Break in looking for terrorist videotapes, but find kiddie-porn, the cops leave.
• Break in looking for Saudi cash, but find prostitution cash, cops leave.

These are unpleasant alternatives that proponents of National Security MUST pass by if they are really only interested in national security.

The concerns of Patriot Act opponents is that this law is not JUST for terrorism, but to enhance Police Power across the board. Whether we need more domestic police powers or not should be debated OUTSIDE the argument about terrorism and national security.

[jmc813]

Not even that. Why not have an "OOPS...not terrorism! My Bad!" clause backing up the whole Patriot Act. That is, just stipulate that any evidence found in a "terrorism" investigation CANNOT and WILL NOT be used in any NON-TERRORIST prosecution.

I personally think that is a great idea.