Patriot Act: Part Deux
Justice Dept. Drafts Sweeping Expansion of Anti-Terrorism Act
I don't have too much to add here, other than the fact that I'd like to sue the fine folks at SchoolHouse Rock for misleading me.
Cole found it disturbing that there have been no consultations with Congress on the draft legislation. "It raises a lot of serious concerns and is troubling as a generic matter that they have gotten this far along and tell people that there is nothing in the works. What that suggests is that they're waiting for a propitious time to introduce it, which might well be when a war is begun. At that time there would be less opportunity for discussion and they'll have a much stronger hand in saying that they need these right away."
Just more crap that fuels my cynicism about this White House.
Comments
I seem to recall that SHR was describing a bill, not a DRAFT (although that was stated as its genesis, I think). And that you need a draft or three to kick around in preparation to field anything to argue about AS a bill before it's amended, gutted, pocketed in committee, whatever.
I haven't signed onto any expansions of existing powers, but if Ashcroft is only thinking about it, it's ridiculous to even comment. Nothing wrong with getting the jump on him, but in order for JA to be doing something wrong, he has to actually be DOING it. Also, JA is Justice branch, not Executive. I'll be right in there with you in criticising many aspects of the bill when introduced, no doubt, but it has to BE a bill.
Restated, if you see a problem in principle with anything specific (easier wiretaps, repeal of Frank Church legislation), go after it. But I don't see any impeachable behavior by anybody so far with respect to introduction of legislation.
Posted by: Pete | February 10, 2003 02:43 PM