FR Poll Thread: "The Patriot Act Should be..."

Free Republic ^ | 6-13-2005 | DTogo

[DTogo]

As recently suggested, here's a thread to allow FReepers to post (if they want to) how they voted on this poll, why, etc. Let's keep it civil! :)

[PaRebel]

The Republic didn't survive F. Roosevelt!

[stompk]

I voted to end it.

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ---Benjamin Franklin

[kidd]

I voted "cut-back". I understand that we are at war, but it has not been explained to me what has been prevented in exchange for the loss of liberty that is associated with the Patriot Act.

I can understand (but don't agree with) the "Extended" or "Expanded" vote, these people trust the govmt more than I and probably want the borders closed.

I cannot understand why anyone would want a wartime act made "Permanent".

[AnnaZ]

I hit "Pass" on this poll. I would have chosen "Reviewed".

[Lazamataz]

The Republic didn't survive F. Roosevelt!

We still had the vestiges of the BoR, but it appears those, too, are going away.

Surprisingly, with a lot of American's blessings.

[processing please hold]

I am reading all these responses in an effort to help me decide how I want to cast my vote.

It seems to me, the Partiot act would curtail American rights. I've had enough of my rights taken away as it is.

If our National security was so important to our government...why didn't they close down our borders on 9-11?

[reagandemocrat]

Re: your tagline---

See Zell Miller...

[crispy78]

I'm torn b/t renewing it as is or reducing some of the items. I'm all for keeping America safe, but not at the cost of limiting our freedoms. And like someone mentioned above, I'm worried about what HRC would do as president.

[april15Bendovr]

I wonder how many selfish people wouldn't mind changing their opinion on having the patriot act implemented if it were to save them on 9/11/01 standing on the top floors of the WTC as the planes hit and they had to decide to jump off the building hitting the pavement at 200 MPH?

[zerosix]

Me too!

[PaRebel]

Agreed. It appears that many people find Freedom freightening. It's the age-old struggle, thus the admonishment "eternal vigilance"!

[Doctor Stochastic]

I'm sure that Gary Hart and Andrew Young do have a sequel to their Patriot Act. President Rodham may have Attorney General Obama modernize the list of terrorist organizations though.

[crispy78]

And no matter what happens, I think that it should be reviewed every 4-5 years.

[Age of Reason]

Speaking of Hitler, Germany learned the hard way.

Germany now protects its citizens from government and other prying so thoroughly, that even reverse phone directories are illegal.

[Rate_Determining_Step]

> Permanent...Threat of islamic terrorism is real and here to stay!!!! We have no option but to defend america and in doing so if we have to forgo some rights then so be it.

You do that by going to where THEY are and turning them into baconburgers. You don't F up our country!

Police state is not an option.

[PresbyRev]

I voted 'dropped' because the Patriot Act is a legacy of the Clinton presidency and tramples underfoot our Bill of Rights.

[mysterio]

Sorry, an America with the Bill of Rights curtailed for any reason is not America. And you are much too trusting of government (probably because the R party runs it.) Would you have supported this measure from a Janet Reno justice department? Also, your argument is purely an emotional one. That's how this reactionary measure got passed in the first place.

[pageonetoo]

Freedom of the press is surely overrated, and nobody should be able to speak their minds... -dtogo

[processing please hold]

President Rodham may have Attorney General Obama modernize the list of terrorist organizations though.

Couldn't you just imagine how they would tweak it to fit their agendas?

Scary thought...very scary thought.

[dirtboy]

How is the patriot act defending us against Islamic terrorism. Especially when our borders are not guarded.

Yeah, but when the Islamic terrorists who come over the border with Mexico go to a library, we'll nab 'em there, but good! /sarcasm.

I voted to trim it. If the Bush Admin wants to keep the various provisions, have them go over how those provisions have been used, in closed session with Congress if necessary. I want to see which ones have been effective, which ones haven't been used much, and which ones have been abused.