Congress votes in time to extend key Patriot Act provisions

[fauxdistressed]

Opposition to the government powers in the terrorist surveillance law brings together conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats

By Lisa Mascaro, Washington Bureau

Comments

[marywebgirl]

The Patriot Act is so far reaching and scary. We just bought a house and there was some sort of Patriot Act disclosure thingy in amongst the paperwork. I have no idea what it was, but of course we signed it because we don't want the bank freaking out and holding up the process.

[holdyourdevil]

"We all want security - nobody wants what happened on 9/11 to happen again," Paul said. "But I think we don't need to simplify the debate to such an extent that we simply say we have to give up our liberties."

Well, well, well. Never thought I'd write this, but: FUCK YEAH, RAND PAUL.

[evildevil]

you know, broken clock, etc...

[evildevil]

I still think Rand Paul sucks, but I tip my hat.

[krazykat88]

my first thought was - I'm agreeing with Rand Paul - should I go look out of the window to see if pigs are flying?

[doe_witch]

 

[omgangiepants]

Oh, well, at least we can come together on something, right? Ugh.

[evildevil]

the problem is that if anyone votes against it, they can be called "un-american".

[nyychick23513]

Which is why I sooooooo hate the state of our politics rn. Ugh.

[krazykat88]

This, I think, bothers me the most

"A third section is known as the "lone wolf" provision because it gives the government the authority to investigate foreigners who have no known affiliation with terrorist groups."

Doesn't that just mean the government can investigate (nearly) anyone it wants to, regardless of whether or not it has proof of ....anything?

[oudeteron]

That's how it reads to me as well. Seems like the perfect excuse to harass everyone not ~properly American (I mean, someone can be technically a "foreigner" but integrated otherwise). Gotta wonder if it is just a ploy to target random immigrants - because clearly they don't have enough xenophobic crap to deal with! Clearly.