ACLU action alert - fight to stop Patriot Act expansion begins now

[swag]

(Get your Libertarian friends in on this. They are committed allies on this.)

Links to web form action item:

https://secure.aclu.org/site/Advocacy?&pagename=homepage&id=203&page=UserAction

Don't Let Congress Expand the Patriot Act in Secret

The Patriot Act passed a mere 45 days after the September 11 attacks with virtually no debate or discussion. Fortunately many of the sections that expanded government power were set to expire at the end of this year. Now, some in Congress are secretly considering legislation that would make these powers permanent and expand them.

Hundreds of communities -- and seven states -- have signaled their rejection of the excessive powers in the Patriot Act by passing resolutions. But Congress is ignoring these and other public statements of concern against the Patriot Act and holding key hearings in secret.

Take action and let Congress know that you want secret Patriot Act hearings to be made open and public.

People across the country have made clear their opposition to the Patriot Act.
Hundreds of communities have passed resolutions against the Patriot Act and held town hall meetings to discuss the extraordinary secret search powers and their impact on their residents’ rights under our Constitution. Congress should not be tone-deaf to these concerns.

The Patriot Act’s powers are too significant to be debated in secret. For instance, Section 215 of the Patriot Act allows the FBI to seize a vast array of sensitive personal information and belongings -- including medical, library and business records using secret intelligence tools that do not require individual criminal activity. Although the records can only be seized pursuant to a order issued by a secret court, the judges are compelled to issue these orders if a government agent certifies that he needs them, making such judicial review nothing more than a rubber stamp.

Open and transparent government is critical to a successful democracy. When government conducts important discussions and votes in secret, we all lose out. Congress should not make the Patriot Act permanent and should not expand it, and it certainly should not be making these decisions in secret.

[Tuesday_Morning]

1. Thanks ACLU! Kick! n/t

[deutsey]

2. Another kick

[swag]

3. Thanks for the kicks.

I think it's important too to fight this insidious garbage.