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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.'"
Let the flame war begin!
(gets popcorn)
--- Bad news for America, good news for Democrats
Good news for America, bad news for Democrats
What are you talking about???? We have *always* been at war with Eurasia!
The US government is like a bloated system. They've done too many 'make && make install'. Except Congress don't do dependency checking, so you have the overloaded Judicial system to resolve dependencies. And we are in serious need of an updated kernel. I think it's time to reformat and move to Canada . . .
it looks like exactly 210 members of the House of Representatives need immediate replacement. ...no matter which side of the debate you're on...
-JDF
Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?
No, but it makes my mouth water.
I think all of the Republicans should vote for 3rd party candidates...
His argument:
Serious and frightening abuses of power have occurred in the past. Here is a ton of evidence. Let's try to avoid such things in the future.
Your argument:
LA LA LA LA LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU LA LA LA LA
Who's being unreasonable?
Popcorn will just get burnt. Get the hot dogs on sticks for real flame-war snacking!
Stop by my site where I write about ERP systems & more
Money is not enough. You have to have knowledge and intelligence. These do not mix well with religious fundamentalism.
I'm confused -- are you referring to Al Queda or to Congress?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty nor security."
Right. It is indeed a great and true quote. So, which essential liberty, specifically, are we giving up through the PATRIOT act? This is not flamebait, I genuinely want to know.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated
Am I less secure in my "person," my house, my "papers," or my "effects" somehow? What rights does the PATRIOT act grant the government against that security that they didn't already have via some other method?
Do not read this sig.
Please, this is such an over exaggeration. In the US we still have our freedoms and can express ourselves without fear of the government. Need an example? Sure no problem. Just take a look at some of my latest writings showing the failures of the current administration. I can publish these and I don't have to worry about some big brother watching me. Start by reading "Government and Ethics" at http://www...
Be right back, someone is at the door....
Whaddya mean "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???"
I hope this meant he changed his mind before casting his vote and not that he changed his vote after placing it. If our congresspeople can go back and change their vote, can we go back and change our votes, too (to a vote for their challenger(s))?
It's no wonder we are having so much trouble convincing our leaders to ensure that electronic voting must be secure. As demonstrated by these and similar actions, they lack all respect for democracy and proper procedures regarding voting.