Clueless aren't they? On the one hand, they want the borders closed etc. etc. but on the other hand, that AG went too far with the Patriot Act! Geeze! I am not so sure these are republicans in the first place.
It is sort of difficult to put into words, but In President Bush’s case, I think that he believes he put his entire political career on the line to defend America against her enemies, despite harsh criticism and a deteriorating economy. For President Bush, his quest is clear and his cause is just. He is so convinced of his rightness that he is willing to lose an election and face harsh criticism for his actions. But next to his calling—his quest in life, elections, polls, and detractors are simply secondary. Only when one is able to understand that the War on Terror is George W. Bush’s quest and why, will one truly understand why the War on Terror is the driving force in his Presidency and why it consumes him.
The USA Patriot Act is an extension of this quest. I think it is definately prudent that the worst provisions in the Patriot Act are sunset limited, but some other parts of serious concern aren't. My biggest concern is that someone with less than holy intentions will abuse the Patriot Act, as Planned Parenthood has chosen to abuse RICO. Even though I believe Bush's intentions were noble, the Patriot Act is simply just bad policy. JMHO