Politicking The Patriot Act
The Patriot Act debate is no different from the Gitmo allegations. On one side of both are people who trust the American system and the American character and want to win the war on terror. On the other are people who trust neither America or its character and want to win the war on Bush.
That said, this morning's House defeat of measures to extend the Patriot Act's provisions allowing search of bookstore and library records of suspected terrorists is a throw-away that should be thrown away. Even the Justice Department admits the provisions have never been used.
They're arcane provisions from another time. With the Internet at his disposal, what terrorist would check out or buy a book on bomb making or airport security systems? It's ridiculous on its face.
We might be able to get a little mileage down the road, bringing this up when those who voted to drop the provisions run for re-election. Take for example Bernard Sanders (I-V), who said defeating the provisions would "rein in an administration intent on chipping away at the very civil liberties that define us as a nation." That's such an overstatement on so many levels that it offers opportunity for playback.
The only reason to make a huge deal of today's vote is to project strength on Patriot Act renewal. That has some merit, but no one should be falling on their swords over this vote.
That said, this morning's House defeat of measures to extend the Patriot Act's provisions allowing search of bookstore and library records of suspected terrorists is a throw-away that should be thrown away. Even the Justice Department admits the provisions have never been used.
They're arcane provisions from another time. With the Internet at his disposal, what terrorist would check out or buy a book on bomb making or airport security systems? It's ridiculous on its face.
We might be able to get a little mileage down the road, bringing this up when those who voted to drop the provisions run for re-election. Take for example Bernard Sanders (I-V), who said defeating the provisions would "rein in an administration intent on chipping away at the very civil liberties that define us as a nation." That's such an overstatement on so many levels that it offers opportunity for playback.
The only reason to make a huge deal of today's vote is to project strength on Patriot Act renewal. That has some merit, but no one should be falling on their swords over this vote.
posted by Laer at 7:36 AM
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