The Democrats have renewed the Patriot Act and with almost no debate and no additional "privacy protections". I liked my native Patrick Leahy's reasoning on his vote in particular:



An interesting note here is that Mr. Obama campaigned on a pledge to repeal the Patriot Act, as we'll recall.

In searching this forum, I haven't seen a thread specifically dedicated to the Patriot Act, so I thought this provided a good moment to raise such a discussion. What are your opinions of the legislation in question? And what does it's renewal by the Democrats signify?

He also claimed that he'd try to bring our troops home ASAP. Until he got behind the desk and saw exactly why it wasn't possible.

ASAP does not mean "magically right now", it means "as soon as possible".

It seems like this was passed as a measure of political expediency rather than a deliberate choice. The process seems similar to that of the Healthcare Bill, the amendments were watered down and down until no meaningful change was made and the whole idea moot. It's possible that it was given as a "this is your back being scratched" Act for the Republicans from the Democrats, but it remains to be seen if the Democratic back remains itchy.

Clusterfuck really, damn thing should never have been passed.

Exactlly, we have rights in America and I'd like tostill have the when I really get out there into the world.