Democracy's Difficult Days (Zogby)

[struggle4progress]

The danger that the USA Patriot Act poses to our democracy is not only a function of the sweeping powers it has given law enforcement, but the very manner the bill was passed and the way Congress is now being pushed to renew it. <snip>

Some members of Congress balked, however, at other proposed provisions that they believe violated fundamental rights protected by the Constitution. The Administration, for example, was proposing that new powers be given to law enforcement to conduct surveillance against unnamed groups and individuals not accused of any crime, conduct secret searches of people's homes and businesses and secure library and business records of individuals not accused of any crime-all without strict judicial review or oversight.

In the face of strong pressure from the Administration and a public traumatized by the terrorist attacks, Congress worked to create a compromise that while not perfect, was less permissive than the original Administration proposal.

That effort, however, was never voted on. Instead, the Republican leadership, in a surprise move, replaced the bi-partisan compromise effort with the Administration's original version and forced a vote. Members were then called on to vote for a huge piece of legislation, which many had never read or even seen. <snip>

http://usa.mediamonitors.net/content/view/full/15902

[FloridaPat]

1. Hitler would be so proud. Hearing about the Patriot Act in 2001 was

what turned me against our present government. NO ONE is allowed to dismantle the Constitution as far as I'm concerned. Anyone one who does is a traitor and any civilian that thinks it's OK is an idiot.