Federal Judge Rules Parts Of Patriot Act Are Unconstitutional

AP   |  WILLIAM McCALL   |   September 26, 2007 11:59 PM


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Two provisions of the USA Patriot Act are unconstitutional because they allow search warrants to be issued without a showing of probable cause, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken ruled that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, as amended by the Patriot Act, "now permits the executive branch of government to conduct surveillance and searches of American citizens without satisfying the probable cause requirements of the Fourth Amendment."

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Government officials take an oath "to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Those in the Bush administration did so, yet have waged a war on this Rule of Law in our land since they took office, far greater and more effectively than their "war on terror."
They silenced the media with "seminars" on the hazards of leaks or reporting on their illegal activities, used smear tactics to castigate opponents or critics, intimidated and threatened corporate entities (phone companies, banks and even health care suppliers) to forsake their duties protecting the privacy of their clients, giving the government access to financial and medical records, to conduct illegal wire-tapping, intercepting of mail and emails of U.S. citizens...all without probable cause.
This administration used signing statements to eliminate parts of laws with which they chose not to comply, recess appointments of party loyalists (rather than compotent professionals) to avoid congressional inquiry and approval.
This administration has violated international law, invading a soveriegn foreign nation for its natural resources, condoning torture, rape, murder and the indefinite detention of non-combatant civilians (with no formal charges, no access to legal counsel, communication with any individuals).
This administration has violated most of the Constitutional guarantees of freedoms such as
speech, press, religion and Habeas Corpus (Due Process). Those who speak publicly about the administration find their reputations ruined, or are placed under scrutiny (illegal surveillance). Those in the media and press who have concernes, disagree, or attempt any inquiry with regard to the administration's activities have been silenced or "educated" into compliance. Those who are Muslim are singled out for detention, surveillance or worse because of their faith. All one within the administration has to do is merely state they believe someone could be linked to a foreign group (even a non-terrorist one), and their privacy or freedom disappears.
All this, while the same administration claims "privilege" to continue avoiding the system of checks and balances, flagrantly violate international and constitutional laws to perpetuate their "reign."
I fear the administration far more than al-Qaeda.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:21 AM on 09/27/2007

So, I'm reading ESPN about the new drug policy in the PGA, and here's Tiger's perspective:

Woods said he was not aware of any golfer currently using performance-enhancing drugs, and while he said the penalty for anyone caught should be severe, the biggest blow would be to a player's honor.

"I think it would be very disappointing if it did happen," he said. "I think that person's reputation would be obviously damaged pretty significantly."

How come professional golfers are held to a higher standard when it comes to deceitful behavior?

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:16 AM on 09/27/2007
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