The Big Scary Patriot Act

A reader chides us for not discussing the Patriot Act.  Well, there are a lot of issues we don't address because, after all, we are only one blog.  We can't write about everything.  To my knowledge no one on this blog has ever taken a position on CAFTA either.  That does mean it isn't important.  But, enquiring minds want to know about the Patriot Act.  I think the Patriot Act has been the subject of more disinformation and fear mongering than any piece of legislation in recent memory.  What the Patriot Act does, by and large, is take law enforcement techniques that have long been used in organized crime investigations and apply them to FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) investigations.  There is little that is ground breaking in the Patriot Act.  In addition, everything under the Patriot Act is subject to judicial review.  Often the subjects of detention of "enemy combatants" and torture are dragged into Patriot Act discussions, but those are separate issues.  The Justice Department has a "Fact vs. Myth" website up for those who would like to know more.  Count me as one vote in favor of the Patriot Act.