Civil Libertarians Warn of 'Patriot Act Lite'

The US Congress seems to be "brain-dead," as per normal (both parties)

More crap from our Sack of Shite federal legislators. Propelled by the fearmongers in the Bush administration, federal legislators are considering peeling back even more more of the "natural law" liberties protected by the US Constitution:

11/28/07 "IPS" -- -- NEW YORK, 27 Nov (IPS) - Civil libertarians are worried that a little-known anti-terrorism bill now making its way through the U.S. Congress with virtually no debate could be planting the seeds of another USA Patriot Act, which was hurriedly enacted into law after the al Qaeda attacks of Sep. 11, 2001.
The Violent Radicalisation and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act, co-authored by the former chair of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, Jane Harmon, a California Democrat, passed the House by an overwhelming 400-6 vote last month, and will soon be considered by the Senate.
The bill's co-author is Republican Congressman David Reichert of Washington State. The Senate version is being drafted by Susan Collins of Maine, the ranking Republican on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which is chaired by the hawkish Connecticut independent, Sen. Joe Lieberman. Harmon is chair of the House Homeland Security Intelligence Subcommittee.
Civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), say the measure could herald a new government crackdown on dissident activity and infiltration of universities under the guise of fighting terrorism.
The CCR's Kamau Franklin, a Racial Justice Fellow, told IPS, 'This measure looks benign enough, but we should be concerned about where it will lead. It may well result in recommendations for new laws that criminalise radical thought and peaceful dissent, posing as academic study.'
Franklin added, 'Crimes such as conspiracy or incitement to violence are already covered by both state and federal statute. There is no need for additional criminal laws.'

We can't in this context, fail to refer to one of the most influential founders of this (perhaps formerly) great nation -- namely "Benjamin Franklin." Here's what he said about nations who react to threats like frightened rabbits:

"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -Ben Franklin

Food for thought.

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