US To Extend Patriot Act For Four Years

So much for all those Republicans who promised to defend the Bill of Rights.

---

US To Extend Patriot Act For Four Years
Fri May 20, 2011 4:32PM

On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner came to terms on the extension of three major Patriot Act provisions until June 1, 2015, The New York Times reported.

The agreement was reached one week before key provisions of the controversial Bush-era surveillance law were set to expire. The Obama administration had asked Congress to renew the provisions.

The provisions at issue allow the US government to use roving wiretaps on multiple electronic devices; and have access to business records relevant to alleged terrorist investigations.

The third provision permits secret intelligence surveillance of non-US individuals who are not believed to be connected to any foreign power.

This comes as liberals and conservatives have criticized the increased surveillance powers of the Patriot Act. They argue that the so-called anti-terrorist law violates the privacy of citizens and prevents protection against unwarranted search and seizures.

Other opponents suggest that Congress must reconsider the law, especially after the US said it killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden earlier this month.

This is while some Republicans maintain that the provisions should be made permanent without any modifications.

"Now, more than ever, we need access to the crucial authorities in the Patriot Act," Attorney General Eric Holder told the Senate Judiciary Committee.

--

Freedom is always illegal!

When we ask for freedom, we have already failed. It is only when we declare freedom for ourselves and refuse to accept any less, that we have any possibility of being free.

"The great object is that every man be armed; everyone who is able may have a gun."
- Patrick Henry