http://beforeitsnews.com/story/20823/President_Obama_Signs_Extension_of_Patriot_Act_One_Year.html

 

Washington, DC - President Barack Obama has signed a one year extension of the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act is the law enacted after the devastating attackers of September 11 ,2001.

 

It was a top priority of the George Bush Administration in order to bolster National Security. The provisions extended would have expired on Monday. The original Patriot Act caused great controversy as many thought provisions within the law were unconstitutional and a vast invasion of privacy.

 

Patriot Act extension summary is as follows:

 

1. Allow court approved seizure of records and property in anti-terrorism operations

 

2. Authorize court approved roving wiretaps that permit surveillance on multiple phones.

 

3. Permit surveillance against a "lone wolf" which is defined as a non-U.S. citizen engaged in terrorism who may not be part of a recognized terrorist group.

 

Items not included in the Patriot Act extension were restrictions and higher scrutiny on the government's authority to spy on Americans and seize their records.

 

Feel free to discuss.

First of all, this sucks [wagon].

 

Now that that is out of the way, it will be funny to see Republicans rail on this decision because Obama did it even though 3 years ago they would have been all for it.

Yeah, it sucks.

 

I think that extending it isn't going to really help so much. We have more pressing matters to deal with anyhow.

I'm not American, but I think this act should continue to be in place as long as the States is still in Iraq, Afghanistan.

Didn't they vote for the guy on the grounds that he wouldn't do that?

Now that that is out of the way, it will be funny to see Republicans rail on this decision because Obama did it even though 3 years ago they would have been all for it.

 

Like, ALG said, I'm assuming that they're railing on him because he said he wouldn't do this.

 

As for me, I couldn't care less. I've got nothing to hide. Let them listen in on my dull phone conversations.

No president will ever have the humbleness to revoke power given to him/her voluntarily by another branch of government. Oh well...maybe next year we'll get lucky?

Like, ALG said, I'm assuming that they're railing on him because he said he wouldn't do this.

 

Ahh, I didn't know that. Haven't updated my bookmarks to this new computer yet so I don't have the Obameter on my bookmark toolbar like I usually do.

If they have good reason to suspect you as a terrorist I'd let them do a lot more than tap your phone. The only reason you should be scared is if you think they'll make a mistake, and the only reason I could see that happening is if your acting like a terrorist. So simple solution, don't act like a terrorist.

 

Also about Republicans criticizing Obama about this, if they do I'd clock them. Also haven't heard anything about this outside of here. And finally just so everyone knows I've been described as a "far right-wing nutcase" or something akin to that.

321, it has the easy potential to be abused though. Today it's only used if the person is a suspected terrorist, but tomorrow it could be used against people the government just don't like. It might even end up being a case of 1 man and 1 government spy watching that man.

If they have good reason to suspect you as a terrorist I'd let them do a lot more than tap your phone. The only reason you should be scared is if you think they'll make a mistake, and the only reason I could see that happening is if your acting like a terrorist. So simple solution, don't act like a terrorist.

 

Also about Republicans criticizing Obama about this, if they do I'd clock them. Also haven't heard anything about this outside of here. And finally just so everyone knows I've been described as a "far right-wing nutcase" or something akin to that.

 

They technically don't even need to prove you're a terrorist. Under this kind of authority, the executive branch can pull you out of bed in the middle of the night and detain you while indefinitely suspending your usual rights. The idea that "well, as long as you're doing the right thing then you have nothing to hide" is a naive way of looking at it. This gives the executive branch the authority to circumvent the checks and balances built into your government for the sake of cutting through bureaucratic red tape. It grants one office of power the potential to abuse their authority. I'm disappointed in Obama, and I'm a left-wing Democrat.

321, it has the easy potential to be abused though. Today it's only used if the person is a suspected terrorist, but tomorrow it could be used against people the government just don't like. It might even end up being a case of 1 man and 1 government spy watching that man.

 

It could turn into another McCarthy incident. Goddamn that guy was a jackass.

If they have good reason to suspect you as a terrorist I'd let them do a lot more than tap your phone. The only reason you should be scared is if you think they'll make a mistake, and the only reason I could see that happening is if your acting like a terrorist. So simple solution, don't act like a terrorist.

 

Also about Republicans criticizing Obama about this, if they do I'd clock them. Also haven't heard anything about this outside of here. And finally just so everyone knows I've been described as a "far right-wing nutcase" or something akin to that.

 

They technically don't even need to prove you're a terrorist. Under this kind of authority, the executive branch can pull you out of bed in the middle of the night and detain you while indefinitely suspending your usual rights. The idea that "well, as long as you're doing the right thing then you have nothing to hide" is a naive way of looking at it. This gives the executive branch the authority to circumvent the checks and balances built into your government for the sake of cutting through bureaucratic red tape. It grants one office of power the potential to abuse their authority. I'm disappointed in Obama, and I'm a left-wing Democrat.

Not to cause an argument but how you said it gives one office too much power, and another guy said the government could just lock up its enemies. That's why I invoke my second amendment. I love the idea of America and what it was founded for, so if corrupt politicians start to rip it down, and all of it's principles, I'd slaughter all of Washington to save it.

If they have good reason to suspect you as a terrorist I'd let them do a lot more than tap your phone. The only reason you should be scared is if you think they'll make a mistake, and the only reason I could see that happening is if your acting like a terrorist. So simple solution, don't act like a terrorist.

 

Also about Republicans criticizing Obama about this, if they do I'd clock them. Also haven't heard anything about this outside of here. And finally just so everyone knows I've been described as a "far right-wing nutcase" or something akin to that.

 

They technically don't even need to prove you're a terrorist. Under this kind of authority, the executive branch can pull you out of bed in the middle of the night and detain you while indefinitely suspending your usual rights. The idea that "well, as long as you're doing the right thing then you have nothing to hide" is a naive way of looking at it. This gives the executive branch the authority to circumvent the checks and balances built into your government for the sake of cutting through bureaucratic red tape. It grants one office of power the potential to abuse their authority. I'm disappointed in Obama, and I'm a left-wing Democrat.

Not to cause an argument but how you said it gives one office too much power, and another guy said the government could just lock up its enemies. That's why I invoke my second amendment. I love the idea of America and what it was founded for, so if corrupt politicians start to rip it down, and all of it's principles, I'd slaughter all of Washington to save it.

 

That's treason! ;)

 

Seriously though, you might like the quotation in my signature. :)

If they have good reason to suspect you as a terrorist I'd let them do a lot more than tap your phone. The only reason you should be scared is if you think they'll make a mistake, and the only reason I could see that happening is if your acting like a terrorist. So simple solution, don't act like a terrorist.

 

Also about Republicans criticizing Obama about this, if they do I'd clock them. Also haven't heard anything about this outside of here. And finally just so everyone knows I've been described as a "far right-wing nutcase" or something akin to that.

 

They technically don't even need to prove you're a terrorist. Under this kind of authority, the executive branch can pull you out of bed in the middle of the night and detain you while indefinitely suspending your usual rights. The idea that "well, as long as you're doing the right thing then you have nothing to hide" is a naive way of looking at it. This gives the executive branch the authority to circumvent the checks and balances built into your government for the sake of cutting through bureaucratic red tape. It grants one office of power the potential to abuse their authority. I'm disappointed in Obama, and I'm a left-wing Democrat.

Not to cause an argument but how you said it gives one office too much power, and another guy said the government could just lock up its enemies. That's why I invoke my second amendment. I love the idea of America and what it was founded for, so if corrupt politicians start to rip it down, and all of it's principles, I'd slaughter all of Washington to save it.

 

That's treason! ;)

 

Seriously though, you might like the quotation in my signature. :)

Might want to look up treason as defined in the constitution. Because giving Khalid Sheik Mohammed a trial IS treason, me saying I'd kill everyone in Washington is a warning. ;)

 

Morons are greatly useful in a revolution they only need a leader. Problem is what comes after, I won't pretend that if I lead some sort of coup I wouldnt be tempted to seize power.

 

Section 3 - Treason Note

 

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

 

The Congress shall have power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

 

i suppose you could consider that levying war against them but i prefer to think of it as "cleaning house".

I still think that the Patriot Act is a dangerous precedent. Also, if the government gains too much power, a revolutionary movement wouldn't do anything unless you have a lot of backing. Backing is less likely because a large portion of potential revolutionaries are morons and can't think for themselves. A revolution doesn't do too much if it just ends up with you getting a lethal injection in the end.

 

It just smacks of the Alien and Sedition Act, in my opinion. Even if it is argued that the Patriot Act is for the greater good of the nation, it could still very easily become repressive due to politicians asking the public to give up more individual liberties for the "welfare" of the nation.

I still think that the Patriot Act is a dangerous precedent. Also, if the government gains too much power, a revolutionary movement wouldn't do anything unless you have a lot of backing. Backing is less likely because a large portion of potential revolutionaries are morons and can't think for themselves. A revolution doesn't do too much if it just ends up with you getting a lethal injection in the end.

 

It just smacks of the Alien and Sedition Act, in my opinion. Even if it is argued that the Patriot Act is for the greater good of the nation, it could still very easily become repressive due to politicians asking the public to give up more individual liberties for the "welfare" of the nation.

True, and who knows we might be headed that way. Every day I see/hear something that makes me think, "How the hell did it go so wrong?". But to quote Thomas Jefferson, "...That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it...".

Ownage, you have a very skewed view on the world. Giving a few examples of treason won't make them let you go. If I learned something, the executive powers will ALWAYS twist the story and make up [cabbage] just to get you punished, whither you deserved or not. Saying technical crap from the Constitution won't stop you if they suspect you of terrorism.

 

And a revolution is laughable. You think people will revolt over the smallest of things, but there were times MUCH worse than this and NOTHING HAPPENED. Two things are true

 

1) People won't revolt if they're content. (aka your life. Who in this country will be willing to sacrifice their lives with lower taxes or freedom? Very little)

 

2) People are willing to put up with a lot of crap. Look right now and look back in history.

True, and who knows we might be headed that way. Every day I see/hear something that makes me think, "How the hell did it go so wrong?". But to quote Thomas Jefferson, "...That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it...".

The government will spin it into treason. Plus, the army would side with the government. Martial law could also be used to enforce the government's control. The government has thought this through much better than you, they have made laws to circumvent it and say it's to protect the people.

True, and who knows we might be headed that way. Every day I see/hear something that makes me think, "How the hell did it go so wrong?". But to quote Thomas Jefferson, "...That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it...".

The government will spin it into treason. Plus, the army would side with the government. Martial law could also be used to enforce the government's control. The government has thought this through much better than you, they have made laws to circumvent it and say it's to protect the people.

 

Just to point something out. The Army will not "side" with the government. Everyone I know doesn't like the government. We'll be forced to side with them, but it's against our will. We didn't sign up to protect the government, we signed up to protect you...or in most cases I see now days, to get through college.

Good thing you guys are in check then.

You guys seem to think the government is all powerful, and while I agree that Joe Schmoe probably wouldn't stand up for himself when he is being wronged, it is only a matter of time. And I don't have a very skewed view of the world, I see it as a messed up place that many people are trying to make better but keep getting in each others way or tripping each other in the process. And if you want to talk about revolution why did the colonies revolt??? Pretty much taxes, which were minuscule compared to what other places where bearing. And the guy who said the military will side with the government, every one of those men and women take and oath to protect and defend the CONSTITUTION of the United states, not any of the branches and not even the President. Also contrary to apparently popular belief the people in the military aren't stupid, and I honestly believe that many if not most of them would call the government on something truly over the line. And if you know anything about our special forces, imagine what kind of damage a "rouge" unit could do. Have you ever considered that the government gets away with the [cabbage] they do because everyone thinks that if they try to stand up to them they'll be locked up in some dark hole? I assure you there are not 300 million secret cells in America or even 10 million for that matter. I think all too often people forget they answer TO US, but these days no one is interested so they bend us over. And this thought just came to me Nick 6464, most revolutions in history have been minority revolutions, but since everyone else doesn't rush off to help the government they can and do succeed. Also never underestimate what one person can do to history with one small act, case in point the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. And also perhaps arresting revolutionaries could backfire on them, like the British in India with Gandhi, he went on a hunger strike and people screamed for him to be released. Also i think that the American people could be a lot greater, but we haven't had a solid leader in so long, and ones you might consider solid have been for just one side (Reagan, Obama). And while it is disheartening to see all of these surveys and documentaries that show how ignorant the average populace is, I believe that American, as evidenced throughout history thrive in the face of adversity. I guess in summary everyone shouldn't be so afraid of big brother. Eventually people will notice when their neighbors disappear after asking questions about the government, and just as we are doing right now, I can tell thousands or millions of people in a couple of minutes.

 

I apologize that this is pretty much a random compilation of thoughts but I just wrote as it came to me. Also i'm not suggesting the we all "grab our torch and pitchfork" and march to Washington, but neither can we stand by while politicians pick away at and pervert the idea of America.

You say it's only a matter of time, but its not. Unless we really get [bleep]ed up somehow, Joe Schmoe will NOT give up his suburban lifestyle (loose his Hummer, loose his plasma TV, loose his money, etc) to go on a crusade that will most likely get him killed for hardly anything that affects him greatly.

 

Does the problem of the government really affect you much? Has the Patriot Act accused you of being a Terrorist? Has taxes ruined you financially (not stress, but absolute ruin)? Did the war in Iraq cause a tank to blow up your house? People have a very short-term mindset. While we do need to protect from the Patriot Act, pay considerable taxes, and the lives lost in Iraq, since it doesn't affect us directly in front of our eyes, people won't go on a revolution. Only those deeply directly affected and idealistic extremists will urge revolution.

 

What I'm trying to say, America is NOT in a position to be at the edge of revolution. Nor do I think, we will be in the near future. No matter what military monstrosities happen or scamming scum of the government does, we're just TOO content to do anything.

 

And realize the military will stop any "revolutions" from starting. The governments smart enough to attack these things before they become big, big enough to make the patriotic soldiers turn against the leaderships. Would a soldier not fight and face treason/discharge because of a little incident that at the time seems like nothing? It'll be stupid, they'll do the job, and the "potential revolution" is stopped.

You say it's only a matter of time, but its not. Unless we really get [bleep]ed up somehow, Joe Schmoe will NOT give up his suburban lifestyle (loose his Hummer, loose his plasma TV, loose his money, etc) to go on a crusade that will most likely get him killed for hardly anything that affects him greatly.

 

Does the problem of the government really affect you much? Has the Patriot Act accused you of being a Terrorist? Has taxes ruined you financially (not stress, but absolute ruin)? Did the war in Iraq cause a tank to blow up your house? People have a very short-term mindset. While we do need to protect from the Patriot Act, pay considerable taxes, and the lives lost in Iraq, since it doesn't affect us directly in front of our eyes, people won't go on a revolution. Only those deeply directly affected and idealistic extremists will urge revolution.

 

What I'm trying to say, America is NOT in a position to be at the edge of revolution. Nor do I think, we will be in the near future. No matter what military monstrosities happen or scamming scum of the government does, we're just TOO content to do anything.

 

And realize the military will stop any "revolutions" from starting. The governments smart enough to attack these things before they become big, big enough to make the patriotic soldiers turn against the leaderships. Would a soldier not fight and face treason/discharge because of a little incident that at the time seems like nothing? It'll be stupid, they'll do the job, and the "potential revolution" is stopped.

 

If the government truly does something that crosses the line so much it starts a revolution, the military will be sent to suppress it, however most of us would look the other way. If it was a revolt about something idiotic, then they'll do their job, but we are citizens too, if we feel the Constitution and our rights are in complete danger, trust me, we won't suppress anything. They can't discharge us if they have no power.

What I'm trying to say, small enough as in a couple of guys starting some crap. It's not really much of the military, but of the police. The idea is still the same though. For the information age of today, the "big" revolution will have to start up QUICKLY, like in a day. Anything slower the cops will stop it.