Congress to Revisit the Patriot Act

BlakeCaldwell writes "CNet is reporting that both the House and Senate are planning to review the 16 portions of the Patriot Act that are set to expire at the end of the year, several dealing with computer and Internet surveillance. They're trying to avoid the criticism they received after rushing this bill through in 2001 by holding hearings to review the bill's worth. FTA: 'One hearing disclosed police invoked the Patriot Act 108 times in a 22-month period when surreptitiously entering and searching a home or office without notifying the owner.'"

Comments

Bet 100% of it remains in effect!

[Frangible]

The Real ID act just passed in the Senate 100-0. The Patriot Act also passed by an overwhelming majority. No Democrat or Republican is going to stand up for you or your freedom. 100-0 for Real ID! Wake up, America. Stop electing totalitarian corporate puppets.

Re:Inches from Tyranny

[djward]

Resulted in the burning of the White House, loss of Detroit, etc...

Can we provoke another one? Please?

Re:Broken Machine

[Doc Ruby]

I see from that page that about 96% of House Republicans voted for it, while only about 69% of House Democrats did. That's clearly partisan - the more Republicans, the more backing the law will get, as I said. As for the Senate, their near unanimity is exactly the Statist problem I started this subthread with.

Your insight into Republican propaganda seems accurate, but what is the "far-extreme" Democrat agenda, freedom from police abuse? Sounds pretty "mainstream America" to me.

Re:Broken Machine

[Doc Ruby]

Is that partisan, or counter-partisan? With Republicans gaming the system for their political perpetuation (latest news: the White House overruled even Ridge on sounding unnecessary terror alerts), isn't the only sensible Democrat strategy to oppose Republicans and their agenda? Just as sensible (if morally indefensible) as Republicans' strategy of toeing their party line all the way to victory?