In a last-minute maneuver which excluded Democrats, Republicans negotiated a version of the USA PATRIOT ACT that removed the modest reforms which were intended to protect our civil liberties. This version:
1. Continues to allow the Justice Department to authorize the investigation of American citizens without judicial oversight, a power that the Washington Post reports is invoked more than 30,000 times each year.
2. Excludes reforms on section 213 "sneak and peek" provision, allowing the Government to search individuals' private property without notifying them.
3. Permits authorities to search citizens' financial, medical, library, school and other records without judicial oversight.
These provisions should send chills down the spine of every American who wants to remain independent of Big Brother's watchful gaze. What the hell is wrong with us that we just sit by and let this happen?
Please consider this: In a Democratic Republic such as ours, we have the freedom to have the kind of Government we deserve. Apathy and complacency of the people will only ensure that Government will slowly, little by little, rob us of our civil liberties. Apathy and complacency will only ensure that we deserve to have this happen. CONSIDER THIS: "The punishment suffered by the wise who refuse to take part in the government, is to live under the government of bad men." (Plato)
Wake up America ! God damn-it . . . WAKE UP !!!
GaVaS 11/18/05
Sorry to be the one to inform you, Gavas, but the Constitution died the day Bush and brother Jebb stole the 2000 Presidential Election and no-one had the balls to stand up and cry "FOUL".
Bean Counter in Madison 10/03/2007