Re: The Thing that Would Not Die............

Actually, according to the morning paper yesterday
(am I behind the times?) the extension is for 6 months.
It says in the AP article "the six month extension ensures
that the tools provided to law enforcement in terrorist
investigations in the patriot act remain in effect while congress
works out the few differences that remain." -Sen. John Sununu
R-N.H.
Says Sen. Russ Feingold D-Wis, "This will allow more
time to finally agree on a bill that protects our rights and freedoms
while preserving important tools for fighting terrorism."
According to the article, Feingold is the only senator who originally
voted against the Patriot Act.

The question to ask now is "Why does the patriot act really need
a 6 month extension?" What reason could there be to continue to
illegally use U.S. taxpayer funded not so secret agencies to spy on
Americans?
The reason we have constitutional protections against
invasions of our privacy is to prevent political witch hunts. Dissent
is
a very important element of a "free democracy." The founders
understood
this, though at the time I suspect they were trying to protect their
own
interests.
As the patriot act is written, disagreeing with the administration's
positions, and working to change the existing structures could land
people
in some secret holding camp in some foreign land, in "detention,"
without
charges, for an unspecified length of time, which could be forever.
The thing is, it is an unconstitutional act of legislation in the first
place.
Where is the Supreme Court?
Where are the checks and balances we rightfully expect?
Where is the calm voice of reason shouting "I may not agree with what
you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it," or "
better
a hundred guilty men go free than one innocent man be unjustly
imprisoned." Or perhaps "he who would trade liberty for security
deserves neither." [sic]
Patriot, schmatriot...
True patriotism is that demonstrated by those who take a stand against
the erosion of the the constitution and the bill of rights and who
stand up
for the rights of all people everywhere to enjoy a life free from
profit
motivated oppression.
American foreign policy specifically endorses democratizing other
nations,
because it is thought that as conditions improve for people in other
nations,
all nations, including ours, will become more prosperous.
Where did this go awry?
It went awry when democracy began to be equated with capitalism.
Is a free market necessary for a free nation?
Sure, maybe. Freedom is freedom.
Free to buy and sell is only one kind of freedom though.
All the other basic inalienable "creator endowed" rights are simply to
be protected
or secured, by governments. That is ostensibly, the VERY PREMISE upon
which the establishment and continuation of government is based.
Now when these governments become abusive of, or fail to uphold, this
charge, it is the right and duty of the populace to THROW THEM OFF!!!
To Change them!
True patriotism comes from those who understand these things.
The patriot act is unpatriotic at its core, from its inception, through
its
manifestation.
This government is breaking the laws of this land. The constitution is
the
supremem document. Freedom is the supreme American Value.
So saith I.

Peace Love and Freedom All Ways!!!

Dia

Spiritrising said:
actually only extended it one month, feb 3rd. spiritrising

.

Relevant Pages

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  • Re: OT - What do you think of Senator McCains latest tactic?
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