Patriot Act... not sure how there was no topic on this

[GSRGuy94]

It passed again in the House. Wasn't there a promise of a "smaller federal government?"

As far as I can tell, this is a non-partisan website;

http://www.thenation.com/blog/158587/house-gop-rejects-requirement-patriot-act-surveillances-be-conducted-compliance-constitu

Less than a month after making a show of reading the US Constitution into the Congressional Record, the leaders of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives engineered a vote to extend the surveillance authorities that both the Bush and Obama administrations have used to conduct “roving surveillance” of communications, to collect and examine business records and to target individuals who are not tied to terrorist groups for surveillance.

While most Democrats opposed the extension of the surveillance authorities—rejecting aggressive lobbying by the Obama administration and its allies in the House GOP leadership—overwhelming Republican support won approval of the legislation on a 275-144 vote. Thus, the supposedly Constitution-obsessed House has endorsed a measure that is widely seen—not just by Democrats and progressives but by Republicans and conservatives—as a constant threat to privacy protections outlined in the document's Fourth Amendment.

More remarkable was the House vote on a motion offered by the Democrats, which sought to recommit the bill with instructions to add language ensuring that surveillances would only be conducted in compliance with the Constitution.

That motion lost on a 186-234 vote.

All 234 "no" votes came from Republicans, including two dozen members who minutes later would vote against extension of the surveillance authorities.

Am I missing something here?

[Denny]

It's all a farse. More control, more regulation, more spending, more debt, more printing of funny money...

"We the people" are not represented on government. Stop acting surpeised.

[GSRGuy94]

Not surprised at all... it's a combination of disdain and amusement, with apathy growing in the background.

[Denny]

It also puts a smirk on my face from time to time. It also gives me things to think about at the range and loading magazines.

[stevo]

So, lemme get this straight, obama wanted this but his democrat buddies didn't?

Someone tell me if I'm wrong.

Stevo

[GSRGuy94]

That's what it seems like.

[Denny]

Like I said, it's a farce. He's trying to look like he's in the center, knowing his other Libs are going to vote against it. Just how Clinton taught him to.

[SMEGMA STENCH]

They want to be able to watch people. Its doubtful the patriot act will ever go anywhere. That would be the government willfully giving up a measure of control. What are the odds of that.

[GSRGuy94]

And that's a damn shame.

[stevo]

I'll be totally honest, I really don't have too much of an issue with the Patriot Act, as long as they cannot legally use any of the information gathered against the citizens of America in any situation other than a domestic threat. The issue comes at what point they consider a threat a 'domestic' threat. Lets face it, these fuckers have been gathering this information since the Hoover age, we are just now getting positive confirmation on this shit since it is so hard to hide now.

It is fucked up, but it is the same ol' shit as it has been for the last 50 years, just a new wrapper.

Stevo

[Denny]

I'll be totally honest, I really don't have too much of an issue with the Patriot Act, as long as they cannot legally use any of the information gathered against the citizens of America in any situation other than a domestic threat. The issue comes at what point they consider a threat a 'domestic' threat. Lets face it, these fuckers have been gathering this information since the Hoover age, we are just now getting positive confirmation on this shit since it is so hard to hide now.

It is fucked up, but it is the same ol' shit as it has been for the last 50 years, just a new wrapper.

Stevo

But this policy combined with the ever-changing definition of a domestic terrorist, most of us are fucked. Fuck that. I'm more of a patriot and a defender of our founding priciples than the fucking cunts that enact these laws.

[stevo]

But this policy combined with the ever-changing definition of a domestic terrorist, most of us are fucked. Fuck that. I'm more of a patriot and a defender of our founding priciples than the fucking cunts that enact these laws.

Oh I agree there. But it is the same ol' shit, just they now have the paperwork to use the shit in the open, versus keeping it hidden as before. As you mention, the issue is what the gov considers a domestic threat. At this point, everyone not sucking the bottom line is/can be/will be a threat. At this point, the Patriot Act is moot, because they will know who you are no matter if it is legal or not, they have your name, and if they want you to get you, you will be 'got'.

I'm with you, I figure my name will be on the roster when the '1984' shit rolls around. Everyone really needs to read where the term Big Brother actually came from.

Stevo

[mr tinfoil hat]

It's amazing the lengths they go to keep us safe and healthy, what a government!

[Cannonball996]

its just more of the same in washington, what happened to the promises of limited governments that was promised to the voters in the fall of 2010?

[Denny]

its just more of the same in washington, what happened to the promises of limited governments that was promised to the voters in the fall of 2010?

Do you feel you were lied to and your vote stolen?