Thread: Patriot Act falls at first hurdle

A glimmer of sanity or just another exercise in political maneuvering? The Patriot act as it now stands is possibly the most unconstitutional act ever passed by congress. Maintaining security is fine but the Patriot Act goes far beyond any reasonable means to achieve it. Cleverly named I reckon. If for it, you're a Patriot, if against it, you're __________. (Fill in blank).

"The first leg of a process to renew the controversial US Patriot Act failed in the House of Representatives here in Washington DC on Tuesday night.
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A required two-thirds majority was not achieved on the floor of the chamber.

The bill is likely to be reintroduced on another occasion but it is a blow to the new Republican leadership in the US House.

The Patriot Act - originally signed into law by president George Bush immediately after the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington - has traditionally been criticised by liberals and libertarians who fear it's powers rob Americans of rights guaranteed them under the US constitution.

Dennis Kucinich, the Democratic congressman from Ohio, appealed to the House: "What's happening in our country? Why are we giving up our freedoms? We need to take a stand here and today's as good as any."

While Republican congressman Ron Paul from Texas said : "We should really question why we're extending this? We're extending the worst parts! Why were they sunsetted? Because people had concerns about them?"

Enough Republicans clearly expressed second thoughts to thwart the bill in the House on the grounds the Patriot Act is too invasive and represents "big government" to which they are opposed.

However, time is running out to extend these three key provisions, they "sunset" - or cease to become law - at the end of the month.

The issue has yet to move to the upper house the senate, where it is known there are two proposals that would extend the Act till the end of 2013 - something the White House says it favours - a position that has drawn the ire of civil-liberties campaigners."


Patriot Act falls at first hurdle | Al Jazeera Blogs