GOP opposition to the Patriot Act

Last night, the US Congress voted to extend several provisions of the Patriot Act. The final tally was 275-144. The main argument for renewal of these provisions is clearly a matter of protecting the US against a future terrorist attack. As is commonly said in support of renewal, "If you are not doing anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about."

Twenty-seven Republicans voted against the renewal of the Patriot Act provisions. One of those Republicans was Tom McClintock's (R-CA). Consider his position on the Patriot Act (beginning at the 1:15 mark):

Strange bedfellows, indeed!

What do Ralph Hall, Jeb Hensarling, and Sam Johnson (all Republican Congressional representatives with a Rowlett constituency) have in common with Barack H. Obama?

They ALL supported the renewal of three provisions of the Patriot Act that failed passage in the House of Representatives earlier this week. The provisions up for renewal give the federal government broad authority for warrantless searches and seizures, including:

• Roving, warrantless wiretaps of virtually EVERY form of electronic communication used by U.S. citizens.
• Secret federal searches without warrants OR knowledge of the resident.
• Blanket warrants for the search and seizure of all library records, without naming individual suspects or providing probable cause.
• Judicial warrants replaced with “National Security Letters” signed by unaccountable Obama Administration bureaucrats and gag orders for those served with these letters which make it illegal to tell anyone about it — including your spouse and your priest!
• Drastic expansion of the definition of “domestic terrorism,” which is sure to include gun owners.
• Expands asset seizure to permit the taking of assets from anyone “suspected” of terrorism, even if that person is NEVER charged or sent to trial.
• Lone wolf provisions which allow the government to spy on ANYONE even if they’re not associated with a terrorist organization or foreign national, without due process or notification. (H/T: National Association of Gun Rights)

Everyone of these provisions is an assault on rights guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Please call the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

And then send an email by clicking here.