From the terror symp department comes the news that Congress is preparing to vote to extend controversial provisions of the so-called Patriot Act that allow domestic spying on suspected plotters and just plain disgruntled solitaries alike until
2015. This latest symptom of never ending state paranoia comes after American special forces finally caught up with the main man in Pakistan. Whether it is the power to wage war or the curtailment of individual privacy, the US Constitution is rapidly becoming dead letter as both sides of the political seesaw in Washington
cut a backroom deal to bring up the extension bill without any amendments that might hinder passage. Current provisions expire on May 27th. Obamatron & Folks, Inc. has been pushing for months to extend on a long term basis these controversial
spying provisions:
1.) The power to obtain secret court orders for "any tangible thing"—including Internet, phone, and business records—that the government believes is relevant to a terrorism investigation;
2.) The power to use non-specific "roving" wiretaps to monitor any phone number, email account, or other communications facility that the government believes is being used by its target;
3.) The power to wiretap a "lone wolf" or monitor individuals who have no connection to any foreign power or terrorist group.
Worst of all, the collusive deal short circuits attempts at modest accountability legislation sponsored by the Judiciary Committee chair, Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The Obamatron apparently feels free from the demands of his progressive voter base to end the secrecy and security state now that he has secured his reelection with the killing of Osama Bin Laden. One notable Hollywood celebrity and easy rider went so far as to call him a "traitor" to the progressive cause.
US Person would never say that over the telephone! But you can still call your Senator and ask him or her to vote against slowly destroying the Bill of Rights.