As President, I took an oath to defend the Constitution, and I have no greater responsibility than to protect our people, our freedom, and our way of life. On September the 11th, 2001, our freedom and way of life came under attack by brutal enemies who killed nearly 3,000 innocent Americans. We’re fighting these enemies across the world. Yet in this first war of the 21st century, one of the most critical battlefronts is the home front. And since September the 11th, we’ve been on the offensive against the terrorists plotting within our borders.”
President’s Radio Address, December 17, 2005
Good point. I’m in 100% agreement that the United States Government needs the ability to effectively stop terrorism at home and abroad if it is directed at U.S. citizens or U.S. interests.
Yet key provisions of this law are set to expire in two weeks. The terrorist threat to our country will not expire in two weeks. The terrorists want to attack America again, and inflict even greater damage than they did on September the 11th. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that law enforcement and intelligence officials have the tools they need to protect the American people.
The House of Representatives passed reauthorization of the Patriot Act. Yet a minority of senators filibustered to block the renewal of the Patriot Act when it came up for a vote yesterday. That decision is irresponsible, and it endangers the lives of our citizens. The senators who are filibustering must stop their delaying tactics, and the Senate must vote to reauthorize the Patriot Act. In the war on terror, we cannot afford to be without this law for a single moment. “
Here is my question, with all due respect to the President. If the Patriot Act is so essential in protecting Americans from terrorism, then why are we putting in anti-methamphetamine clauses? That is a domestic industry that has nothing to do with terrorism. Certainly, methamphetamine manufacturing is illegal, but unrelated to the security of the nation.
There are many other problems with the Patriot Act. It is stopgap legislation that has been on the books for too long. It should be rewritten.
I believe in what we are doing in Iraq, and I believe my President is a sincere and honest man with a thankless job who is doing his best. I believe him when he says that revealing classified programs is wrong. But I’m not convinced the Patriot Act is good legislation.
The American people expect me to do everything in my power under our laws and Constitution to protect them and their civil liberties. And that is exactly what I will continue to do, so long as I’m the President of the United States.”
I’m with you on that, sir. Oh, sir, by the way, thanks for your service to our Nation. You have a job I wouldn’t want.
An alternative viewpoint from Dean’s World.