tavie.com

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25-- The Senate passed sweeping antiterrorism legislation today, sending President Bush a mesaure that would expand the government's ability to conduct electronic surveillance, detain immigrants without charges and penetrate money-laundering banks.

Italics are mine. Freezes my blood. I understand all the arguments for, but freezes my blood anyway.
And it's not even as bad as they wanted it to be.

...the bill curtailed some of the tools Mr Ashcroft sought, reflecting concerns in both parties and houses that the administration proposal went too far.
For example, it denied the administration the power to detain indefinitely and without charges immigrants suspected of involvedment in terrorism. The bill does expand the limit to seven days of detention, from two days, though under some circumstances that could be repeatedly extended by six-month periods.

Jeez, they just wanted to set the Constitution on fire, didn't they?

The bill denied the administration the power to use foreign wiretaps that would have been illegal in the United States. It also provides that authority for expanded surveillance of computers and telephones will expire after four years. The administration wanted permanent authority.

For Chrissake. Thank heaven for small mercies. :P

Why are you in Tavie's head? 11:12 AM | shower me with attention