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

Free Republic ^ | 6-13-2005 | DTogo

[KevinDavis]

I voted pull back..

[phoenix_004]

"We will defend america but we won't give up any rights in doing so (PERIOD)(.)" If it were an ideal world i would have agreed with you!!! But unfortunately it's a real world... You can't have it both ways!! One can't effectively fight terrorism at home without forgoing some rights!! I agree that some of the provisions of the patriot act needs careful review....But overall it's a good act which forms an esential element in fighting terror...... I know quite a few immigrants and if they don't feel threatened by this act , then can't really understand why should you ??? I agree that the patriot act isn't the only way of fighting terror but nevertheless its a useful and necessary tool in the hands of the govt. to deal with these scumbags... After all 9-11 wasn't the first terrorist attack on american soil and unfortunately it ain't gonna be the last!!!!( hope i am wrong!) If you are a true patriot, you should put your country first for a change, rather than putting your own rights on top of everything else!!!!

[dakine]

"its a useful and necessary tool in the hands of the govt."

Shoots your argument all to hell....

[faq]

"Do you agree with every decision the SC hands down?"

I'm saying administrative subpoenas are legal to investigate drug trafficking, insider trading, health care fraud, and violations of OSHA. I could turn this around and say "are you saying you believe terrorists are in a more preffered and acceptable class than OSHA violators?" It's a legal tool, so use it. Unless (or until) all subpoenas of this type are made illegal I see no reason to not use them.

[handy old one]

There are groups that some people want put under a microscope because they don't understand them like parents that send their children to priviate schools or home school.
People that trust GOD for most things in their life.

[Radio_Silence]

Truly sad that people on this site are willing to trade rights for perceived security. I thought that was what the left did.

[Rob_DSM]

The statement "if you have nothing to hide" holds no water, when every LEO is willing to trick you and cajole you into making an error, even when you have done nothing. LE, today, is about tax collection, and who's got the best doughtnuts. Look at most of the LEO's now. They come in two sizes and shapes (other than those few foolish little girls that want to play with the big boys, in the name of "PC". One size, and shape, is fat, and barely able to guard a court bathroom. The other size and shape always wants to wear black, and tuck their BDU's into their Jack Boots... and drive down the highway, in the left lane, speeding, to lunch with the fellow boys in blue/black/ninja suits.

They're supposed to be protecting us and making us feel safe, right? Funny, I just tend to fear them whenever I see them, and before someone chimes in with the predictable "then you must have something to hide" line--I have nothing to hide. It seems that cops have decided they have something to find, though.

With few exceptions, like being in a bad part of town at night, I fear the cops more than I do the criminals.

[pageonetoo]

It seems that cops have decided they have something to find, though.

Revenue enhancement from drug busts has made them want more, just like any other addicts. Wanna buy a used car? There are jewelry listings, and TV's as well.

If they can pinch a guy with a little bit of pot, they can take his life...

[Radioactive]

Patriot Act needs to have some fine tuning done, and then be made a permanent part of Federal Law.

Yes......Our leaders have told us that these terrorists hate us because of our freedoms.

So in order stop those terrorists, we must take away those freedoms to keep you free.

Absolutely.

[Lazamataz]

If you are a true patriot, you should put your country first for a change, rather than putting your own rights on top of everything else!!!!

This way to the train, sir.

[Lazamataz]

If someday the court rules those subpoenas as unconstitutional too, then I will change my opinion to match yours.

So you were a big fan of the Dred Scott decision?

[eleni121]

Many of the terrorists arrested are US citizens. The ACLU is already trying that angle to get them off.

Plus we are at war.

I vote for extend and expand but it ends when the war is over - and that may take many years.

[coloradan]

Coloradan: Fighting words are already illegal. What sorts of additional restrictions on free speech do you think would help prosecute the war on terrorism?

Those that incite violence or give aid and comfort to the enemy.

Words that incite violence are "fighting words" and are already illegal. Words that give aid and comfort to the enemy are "treason" and are already illegal. No patriot act is necessary (although, I frankly don't know what you have to do today to get charged with treason, considering that Hanoi Jane and John Kerry's acts somehow didn't rise to that level).

[eleni121]

Where were you on 9-11? Where are you now? The war is taking place right here in this country.

[faq]

I don't know who or what you are talking about. I'm not and do not claim to be an expert on this issue. I simply cut and pasted information from an article I read. The only reason I posted on this thread is because there were so many negative comments written I wanted it balanced out so those in favor of the act would not be afraid to post.

[Lazamataz]

because there were so many negative comments written I wanted it balanced out so those in favor of the act would not be afraid to post

Yes, there are those who are in favor of abrogating the Bill of Rights.

There were also those in favor of remaining a colony of Britain.

[Happy2BMe]

Anything that takes away the Constitutional freedoms of American Citizens is not right and should be banned.

(Emphasis on American Citizens.)

[processing please hold]

The only reason I posted on this thread is because there were so many negative comments written I wanted it balanced out so those in favor of the act would not be afraid to post.

I'm glad you did. This thread is for all voices to be heard on the ins and outs of the Patriot Act.

We'll never understand why some people are for it if they are brow beaten for their opinion in support of it.

[inquest]

If you are a true patriot, you should put your country first for a change, rather than putting your own rights on top of everything else!!!!

You've exhibited a common misunderstanding about rights, which is all the more understandable, given that, judging from your writing style, you don't appear to be a native-born American.

We don't have rights purely for the benefit of those who exercise them. Free speech rights don't exist just so that we can feel better getting whatever we want off our chests, gun rights don't exist just so that we can experience the testosterone rush of firing a gun, and privacy rights don't exist just so we can "feel private". These things all exist as a way of keeping government from sliding into despotism. It's all just part of the very necessary system of checks and balances that we have.

On behalf of the rest of the country, I apologize for the fact that this wasn't explained to you when you applied for citizenship.

[coloradan]

Plus we are at war. I vote for extend and expand but it ends when the war is over - and that may take many years.

Considering that war was never declared, I'm afraid I have to agree with your last point, it will take many, many years.