Christian Defense Coalition Calls for the Senate to Block Passage of the Patriot Act Renewal

Christian Communication Network ^ | Dec. 15

[JTN]

The Christian Defense Coalition Director says in many cases "national security" has become more important than protecting the First Amendment and civil liberties.

Coalition especially concerned about the Patriot Act defining terrorism as "... .to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion."

Those definitions are so broad it is an open invitation for the government to harass and attack any groups who use public demonstrations or peaceful civil disobedience to "influence" government policy.

Organization cites the improper use of the federal RICO laws against non-violent pro-life activists as a clear example of how the Patriot Act could be used against a broad spectrum of political and social activist groups.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, "It is our hope that the Senate will block passage of the renewal of the Patriot Act and craft legislation that will more carefully protect and safeguard civil liberties and the First Amendment. Sadly with the passage of the Patriot Act, a climate and culture has been created in which 'national security' has become more important than protecting civil liberties. The result has been the First Amendment has become the 'second victim' of 9/11 and the rights of peaceful demonstrators trampled. For example, in the name of 'national security' I was arrested on a public sidewalk at the Salt Lake Olympics for holding a sign which said God bless America. And for the sake of 'national security', I was arrested on a Washington, D.C. public sidewalk for holding a sign of the Ten Commandments in front of St. Matthew's Cathedral during the annual Red Mass."

[JTN]

Libertarian ping

[mnehring]

Another group that doesn't understand the Patriot act and bows at the feet of the strawman slippery slope arguments. I bet they actually believe that the goverment is tracking all their library books.

[sheltonmac]

Organization cites the improper use of the federal RICO laws against non-violent pro-life activists as a clear example of how the Patriot Act could be used against a broad spectrum of political and social activist groups.

Related article from 2002: Patriot Act another RICO?

[jmc813]

Another group that doesn't understand the Patriot act and bows at the feet of the strawman slippery slope arguments.The American Conservative Union as well as the Gun Owners of America oppose renewing the PATRIOT Act as well. Those are two organizations I tend to trust on things like this.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Who are these nutcases? Leftwing liars, standard apostates
or infiltrators?

[sheltonmac]

Another group that doesn't understand the Patriot act and bows at the feet of the strawman slippery slope arguments. I bet they actually believe that the goverment is tracking all their library books.

Why do I get the feeling that even if all the "strawman slippery slope arguments" were true, and if the feds were tracking our library books, you still wouldn't have a problem with it?

[justshutupandtakeit]

Then I will make sure I never pay attention to or offer support for them either.

[BikerNYC]

Courageous. Good for them.

[mnehring]

Why do I get the feeling that even if all the "strawman slippery slope arguments" were true, and if the feds were tracking our library books, you still wouldn't have a problem with it?

Actually I would, but the problem is playing all these what if games, most of which aren't based in reality.. One can what if almost anything, any direction.. Instead of focusing on the what if, focus on the reality of how its used.

[jmc813]

Then I will make sure I never pay attention to or offer support for them either.

It's a bit hard to ignore the ACU, as their conservatism ratings are cited regularly here on FR. And the GOA is a terrific gun rights group. I believe that the PATRIOT Act is one of those issues can be disagreed upon by good conservatives. The aformentioned two groups oppose it while Mark Levin (whom I respect a great deal as well) supports it.

[jmc813]

One can what if almost anything, any direction.. Instead of focusing on the what if, focus on the reality of how its used.

I disagree. It is always important to consider how a future President Hillary or worse would abuse a government power. Frankly, I don't want her to have access to my gun purchase records.

[mnehring]

I disagree. It is always important to consider how a future President Hillary or worse would abuse a government power. Frankly, I don't want her to have access to my gun purchase records.

Then we keep the law intact and ensure that we have good judges because they still have to issue the warrant. The problem with looking at the patriot act exclusively for things like your concern is that those records could just as easily be requested (by the same means- subpoena) if you were 'suspected' of being in the mafia.. the only difference is that the patriot act adds terrorists to the list..

[sheltonmac]

Actually I would, but the problem is playing all these what if games, most of which aren't based in reality.

Not based in reality? So, it's just my imagination that RICO was used to go after pro-life groups? And the Patriot Act never was used to investigate Las Vegas strip club owners?

I can see why some people think such laws are necessary to keep the nation safe.

[JTN]

Then we keep the law intact and ensure that we have good judges because they still have to issue the warrant.

Since the President selects judges, this is of obviously limited value.

[JTN]

Wow. I looked at your profile page. FReepers do indeed say the darndest things.

[Uncle Fud]

influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion

Never has our own government been more in need of intimidation than it is today.

[PaxMacian]

Or how about the way the RAVE Act was used to shut down peaceful protests by threatening venues with prosecution?

[steve-b]

Then I will make sure I never pay attention to or offer support for them either.

If you refuse to support conservatism or the right to keep and bear arms, what are you doing here?

[steve-b]

Imagine a Democratic president with the full powers of the Patriot Act