Posted on 04/09/2003 8:21:51 AM PDT by TLBSHOW
Patriot Act To Be Made Permanent? By Report by J.J. Johnson
WASHINGTON, April 8 - According to the New York Times , Congressional Republicans are working to make permanent the sweeping antiterrorism powers given to federal law enforcement agents after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The Times reports that the move is likely to touch off strong objections from many Democrats and even some Republicans in Congress who believe that the Patriot Act, as the legislation that grew out of the attacks is known, has already given the government too much power to spy on Americans. If you recall, it was only passed with the agreement there would be a sunshine clause inserted, where Congress would have to review the act in 2005.
The legislation expanded the government's power to use eavesdropping, surveillance, access to financial and computer records and other tools to track terrorist suspects, clearly testing the limits of the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution. It has been on the books since October of 2001.
The times said the move to repeal the ‘sunset’ clause was crafted by one Senator Orrin G. Hatch, Republican of Utah. Republicans may seek to move on the proposal this week by trying to attaching it to another antiterrorism bill that would make it easier for the government to use secret surveillance warrants against "lone wolf" terrorism suspects.
Bear in mind that while the New York Times laid on this on Hatch, the Utah Senator made no comment on the record. Nor has any other republican. Democrats, needless to say, aren’t too happy about it. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), predicted that Republicans lacked the votes to repeal the limits.
The Times also wrote that Justice Department officials credited the Patriot Act with allowing the F.B.I. to move with greater speed and flexibility to disrupt terrorist operations before they occur, and they say they wanted to see the 2005 time limit on the legislation lifted.
"The Patriot Act has been an extremely useful tool, a demonstrated success, and we don't want that to expire on us," a senior department official said on condition of anonymity.
Another senior official who also demanded anonymity said the department had held discussions with Congressional Republicans about how that might best be accomplished. "Our involvement has really been just keeping an open ear to the issue as it's proceeding, not to really guide the debate," the official said.
Again, notice how no one wanted to go on the record about this. Debate is expected, but months away. The Sierra Times suggests, consider this New York Times story an official ‘trial balloon’ to gauge the public reaction. Chances of the sunshine clause being lifted is slim at best - unless another major terrorist attack happens before then
What's the suggestion, not vote for the GOP as a whole in the next election? They know they can do quite a bit and we'll still vote for them long before we'll vote for a leftist.
GROW UP PEOPLE, IF YOU HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR.
Wow. If you truly believe that michaelje, you really need to re-read the Constitution.
That statement is quite possibly the most idiotic, stupid and frightening statement I've ever read on this forum.
When you have a Democrat around who will debate the meaning of the word "is", plain language is not an inherent defense of the described principles...
No, just get enough members of the GOP to not vote for this action, if it IS actually being proposed, which is not sure by any means.
If you have nothing to hide, what do you have to fear??
To: dirtboyIf they make guns illegal, then you shouldn't have them. So whats your point?
49 posted on 04/09/2003 1:38 PM EDT by michaelje
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
I stand corrected...this is the stupidest, most idiotic and frightening thing I've ever read on this forum...
The majority of Americans back the Patriot Act and would support making it a permanent.
I'd bet that if a majority of Anmericans voted to force you to become a sperm depository for half the incarcerated Americans you'd be singing a different tune....
OR it depends on who is in charge and if that person knows you, and doesn't like you very much. I'm politically active and I'm outspoken. Drug rumors(and no I don't use them) and searches are a good dirty political trick that one could use on an opponent or top aide.
It's not about being paranoid about what COULD happen. It HAS happened.
The constitution, like it OR not, has evolved over the past 200+ years.
I gotta stop reading your posts...my intellectual level will be forced to plummet down to that of a paramecium just so you will be able to comprehend to my replies...
Unfortunatly, I've seen it more and more even on this forum in the past two years arguing over the FIRST Patriot Act.
Wow! We've finally arrived. Human nature itself has changed. Abuse of power is no longer a possibility, since power no longer corrupts. Tyranny has been wiped from the world and the hearts of men. And our elected officials are no less than angels with halos over their heads and sunshine and butterflies and goodness in their hearts.
How amazing our progress, that after thousands of years of human history, filled with tyranny and crime and oppression we've finally become perfect in the three short years since the Clintons held office.
Yup, you're absolutely right, restrictions and checks and balances on government are no longer needed. Hallaluia!!!
-Prevent you from purchasing more than one firearm a month.
-Ban firearms ownership in Major urban areas.
-Restrict your ability to store your firearm as you see fit.
-Create a ballistic registry, oops, I mean database.
-Prohibit the sale of "Assault Weapons".
-Restrict CCW rights to areas that are not: state or local land, hospitals, major commercial shopping districts, etc.
that's all ok though, right? Because thats clearly whats happening now and I don't see anyone complaining.
At least I'm being honest. The rest of you are either fools following the pied piper or just blowing hot air.
I was wondering when you were going to get to that one...
Grow up pal. At least the other posters who critcize me do so with intelligent argument and discourse.
Check with Dan in Michigan, one of the posters on this thread. He's worked very hard on Michigan's CCW law. Just because you are resigned to defeat and therefore have decided that you like the fantasy of a boot on your throat, it doesn't mean that other folks here are working to arrest these problems and reverse them whenever possible.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.