USA PATRIOT Act Survives Amendment Attempt

crem_d_genes writes "A bill to modify the USA PATRIOT Act that would have blocked part of the legislation's provisions that allow for the investigation of people's reading habits was defeated by a 210-210 vote in the U.S House of Representives. The House leaders kept the roll call open for 23 minutes past the 15 minute deadline to persuade 10 Representatives to change votes. According to the article 'Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said he switched his initial "yes" vote to "no" after being shown Justice Department documents asserting that terrorists have communicated over the Internet via public library computers.' On the other hand, 'Critics of the Patriot Act argued that even without it, investigators can get book store and other records simply by obtaining subpoenas or search warrants.'"

Comments

Democracy is a myth

[91degrees]

Democracy, in it's current implementation (And the US is meant to be a democratic republic, before anyone who get's their political knowledge from civilization tries to nitpick), is a placebo that gives the impression that people actually have some say in the matter. In reality, this isn't the case. We simply get to choose our dictators.

Anyone who actually believes ideas like "anyone can become president" has to ask themselves why the last 2 dozen presidents have all been multi-millionaires with strong party affiliations. Congress is made up of cronies of the president and the guy who came second, and the supreme court is appointed by the guy who makes the laws.

The only true democracy is a country with no political freedom. The only way for the people to get the leaders they want is to kill the ones they don't in a bloody revolution.

Re:The 9/11 terrorists also used cars

[JPelorat]

So you're saying Joe McCarthy will rise from the dead and use the PATRIOT Act to see whether MLKj checked out 1984 on Hoover's card?! WTFOMGDOUBLEPLUSCONCLUSIONJUMPINGBBQ!

Yes, I know what you're trying to imply with those links - but it takes more than "Here's some links, wink wink nudge nudge, eh?!".

Try less hysterics, more reason.

Re:It would have failed even if it had passed..

[Erwos]

"It's really sad that Canada, whose government bans many books, is now more of a free society than the US. Maybe I'll join my friend."

That's your perception, anyways. Don't confuse opinion with fact.

-Erwos

Re:Old Ben said it best

[rokzy]

Ben Franklin was a fucktard. he's the original soup nazi:

"You value your safety and loved ones above my principles!? No liberty or security for you!"

Re:The 9/11 terrorists also used cars

[jamesmrankinjr]

Money is not enough. You have to have knowledge and intelligence. These do not mix well with religious fundamentalism.

Wishful thinking. Al Qaeda has shown a lot of ingenuity and creativity in their activities. Would that it were otherwise.

They are quite adept at public relations, too. They've even been able to swing an election in a Western European nation, and have won over most of that continent to agreeing with their major policy positions.

Peace be with you,
-jimbo

Re:Old Ben said it best

[belarm314]

I would rather have my civil liberties encroached on for the sake of my continued existence than be murdered by terrorist savages.

Then fucking move to China, where they already such "protections" and, of course, no one ever dies.