Burnt Orange Report

Republicans Strong Arm Congress Into Keeping the Patriot Act Intact

By Andrew Dobbs

From the Associated Press:

House Republicans used an extra-long vote to derail a drive to weaken the USA Patriot Act, handing a campaign-season victory to President Bush (news - web sites) and angering Democrats and GOP conservatives who led the unsuccessful effort.

"You win some, and some get stolen," said conservative Rep. C.L. Butch Otter, R-Idaho.

He was a lead sponsor of the provision that would have prevented authorities from using the anti-terrorism law to demand information on book buyers and library users.

The proposal, which had drawn a veto threat from the White House, was defeated 210-210, with a majority needed to prevail. House GOP leaders extended what is normally a 15-minute roll call by 23 additional minutes. That was enough to persuade about 10 Republicans to switch their votes to no (...)

As the amendment's prospects shifted to defeat from an apparent victory, Democrats chanted, "Shame, shame, shame." The tactic was reminiscent of last year's House passage of the Medicare overhaul measure. Then, GOP leaders held the roll call open for an extra three hours until they got the votes they needed (...)

Otter and Rep. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., led the effort to block one section of the law that lets authorities get special court orders requiring book dealers, libraries and others to surrender records such as purchases and Internet sites visited on a library computer.

The lawmakers contended the provision undermines civil liberties and threatens to let the government snoop into the reading habits of innocent Americans.

"We are all in that together," Sanders, one of Congress' most liberal lawmakers, said of the anti-terror effort. "In the fight against terrorism, we've got to keep our eyes on two prizes: the terrorists and the United States Constitution."

So yeah, this is just further proof that the GOP is full of reactionary despotic assholes. I mean, I am not a huge fan of the Patriot Act but I'm not as opposed to it as most people on the left are. Most of the powers weren't new powers- they just couldn't be used against terrorists until it passed. Still, whether you like it or not, breaking the rules so that the president doesn't look bad is pretty fucking despicable.

This is why I'm not a Republican and don't ever plan on being one. I mean, if you are a conservative there is a place for you in our party, but if you are a liberal you are run out on a rail of that party. They do their business in a dishonest way because it seems they are more interested in power than in governing for the empowerment of all people. It is wrong, they are wrong and we have to beat them this year.

Good news- every Texas Democrat in the House except for 2- Stenholm and Edwards- cast their ballot for the amendment and 1 of the 18 Republicans to vote for it was from Texas, Ron Paul. Thanks Lloyd, one of the last major votes you'll take on behalf was the right one- I'll miss having you as my congressman.