Senate Turns Down Patriot Act Extension

[merwin]

Senate Turns Down Patriot Act Extension
WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Friday rejected attempts to reauthorize several provisions of the USA Patriot Act as infringing too much on Americans' privacy and liberty, dealing a huge defeat to the Bush administration and Republican leaders.

In a crucial vote early Friday, the bill's Senate supporters were not able to get the 60 votes needed to overcome a threatened filibuster by Sens. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and Larry Craig, R-Idaho, and their allies. The final vote was 52-47.

President George W. Bush, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Republicans congressional leaders had lobbied fiercely to make most of the expiring Patriot Act provisions permanent, and add new safeguards and expiration dates to the two most controversial parts: roving wiretaps and secret warrants for books, records and other items from businesses, hospitals and organizations such as libraries.
...
If a compromise is not reached, the 16 Patriot Act provisions expire on Dec. 31.
...
Frist changed his vote at the last moment after seeing the critics would win. He decided to vote with the prevailing side so he could call for a new vote at any time. He immediately objected to an offer of a short term extension from Democrats, saying the House won't approve it and the president won't sign it.
...

--------------------------------

Doesn't that make Frist a flip-flop?

[Quakerfriend]

1. CNBC- Renewal of Patriot Act fails 52/47!!

This just in!!

[heidiho]

2. Woo Hoo - we should all thank Russ Feingold for getting the

ball rolling. He's my senator.

[still_one]

8. don't be too sure

I am concerned that they will just wait for another time when no one is looking, or some midnight session when not everyone is there, and then pass it

[SoFlaJet]

19. nah

that's House tactic-THOSE republicans you gotta watch they are sneaky bastards-that shit don't wash in the senate

[still_one]

33. hope you are right, but as of late I have become paranoid

[Bluerthanblue]

57. not to refute your

experience- i get paranoid on occasion- but to quote a friends bumper sticker-
"just because you are not paranoid, doesn't mean they AREN'T out to get you."

I think you are closer to being 'aware' as to how deep the dis-ease runs in this nation-
Despite all the pretty coverings, and fancy words-

[Hardrada]

73. That's an answer to my long-time question:

Why does everyone think I'm paranoid??

[Bluerthanblue]

80. because you see

"real" people-

And that truth is scary as hell- so rather than face the demons, many chose to stay blind-
'Truthtellers' are often rejected- and dispised, because 'knowing' and doing nothing is not something folks can face- and pretending NOT to know 'works' - for the short term.

(thats not a lump, it's my paranoia- it'll be gone tomorrow)
Denial can, and often does KILL. But it's hard to face our fears, and chance finding out what want so much NOT to be true.

[Trevelyan]

142. Aaron Brown from CNN outed and I know why

posted on 2-11-2005 at 06:30 PM

Aaron Brown from CNN outed and I know why

On Oct 31, 2005 Aaron ran an amazing show where he interviewed many former cia employee's including director's, he went into full detail about pre war intelligence in a show called 'dead wrong'.

People were coming out left right and centre and exposing distortions conjured up by the bush administration.

He also went into the important part about the downing street memo.

Ironically the next day (Nov.1st) the democrats pulled rule 21 out of there hats and got the focus back on the pre war intelligence.

Ironically the next day (Nov.2nd) Aaron Brown gets outed and Jon Klien (the president of cnn) doesn't say why.

My speculation anyway.

Also I went to cnn the past few days to go over the transcripts and thats the only show they have

where there are NO transcripts.

Odd huh.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

146. It WAS a rather hasty departure, wasn't it?

[AuntiBush]

97. Sure It Does...

I've seen it many a sleepless nights and it's astounding! They're so sneaky & corrupt, the nerve!

Some nights, while we're nestled asleep in our beds (or where-ever) they'll vote w/6 or 7 Repuks and 2 to 5 Democrats. :puke:

Rat-Ba$tards!

[thecai]

58. "Fool Me Once...."

I doubt if anyone in their right mind will fall for another FARCE like the Patriot Acts.

LET'S HOPE America has learned from this scam!

[Don Claybrook]

25. and thank the NYT

yeah, yeah, I know, a year late and lots of Judy Miller lies later.

But still, I think their front-page spread caused this vote to go the other way.

Whatever it was, I'll take it.

[katty]

68. Great!! New Year's Eve never looked so good!!

[ginnyinWI]

3. I'm watching on Cspan2's online feed

This is great--Sessions is "very disappointed"!

[0007]

116. Jeff Sessions & Ted Stevens are getting married

Lovers.com sez they are a prefect match.

[bowens43]

4. Very cool!!

A minor victory for freedom.

[AuntiBush]

99. Here, Here!

[WI_DEM]

5. Amazing!! Russ Feingold did it

[myrna minx]

39. Way to go Feingold! n/t

[MaineDem]

6. Remember this was just for cloture

Bill not being considered yet.

[heidiho]

12. Still . . .it's a start . . .

They aren't steamrolling over us yet.

The Bush spy story may have tipped the balance today! I hope we see the outrage!

[bowens43]

13. True but without cloture

it won't be considered.

[ET Awful]

21. Yes, but if the provisions sunset, they would have to re-submit

the entire bill. It will take a LOT more effort do get it passed if it sunsets before they can extend it. If I'm not mistaken that is . . .

[MaineDem]

22. Does it expire at the end of December? (nt)

[ET Awful]

23. I believe so, I don't have the exact info handy though. n/t

[UpInArms]

35. here's a sketch of what sunsets on December 31, 2005

http://www.epic.org/privacy/terrorism/usapatriot/RL32186.pdf

Several sections of Title II of the USA PATRIOT Act (the Act) relating to
enhanced foreign intelligence and law enforcement surveillance authority expire on
December 31, 2005. Thereafter, the authority remains in effect only as it relates to
foreign intelligence investigations begun before sunset or to offenses or potential
offense begun or occurring before that date. There may be some disagreement of
whether a “potential offense” is a suspected crime, an incomplete crime, or both.

The consequences of sunset are not the same for every expiring section. In
some instances the temporary provision has been replaced with a permanent one; in
some, other provisions have been made temporarybyattached to an expiring section;
in still others, the apparent impact of termination has been mitigated by related
provisions either in the Act or elsewhere.

The temporary provisions are: sections 201 (wiretapping in terrorism cases),
202 (wiretapping in computer fraud and abuse felony cases), 203(b) (sharing wiretap
information), 203(d) (sharing foreign intelligence information), 204 (Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) pen register/trap & trace exceptions), 206
(roving FISA wiretaps), 207 (duration of FISA surveillance of non-United States
persons who are agents of a foreign power), 209 (seizure of voice-mail messages
pursuant to warrants), 212 (emergency disclosure of electronic surveillance), 214
(FISApen register/ trap and trace authority), 215 (FISAaccess to tangible items), 217 (interception of computer trespasser communications), 218 (purpose for FISA
orders), 220 (nationwide service of search warrants for electronic evidence), 223
(civil liability and discipline for privacy violations), and 225 (provider immunity for FISA wiretap assistance).

The unimpaired provisions of Title II are: sections 203(a)(sharing grand jury
information), 203(c)(procedures for grand jury andwiretap information sharing that
identifies U.S. persons), 205 (employment of translators by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation), 208 (adding 3 judges to FISA court), 210 (access to payment source
information from communications providers), 211 (communications services by
cable companies), 213 (sneak and peek warrants), 216 (law enforcement pen register/
trap and trace changes), 219 (single-jurisdiction search warrants for terrorism), 221 (trade sanctions), and 222 (provider assistance to law enforcement agencies).

This report is available in an abridged version (without its footnotes, chart, and
most of its citations to authority) as CRS Report RS21704, USA PATRIOT Act
Sunset: A Sketch.

[MaineDem]

42. Thank you

Good information.

[katty]

69. that's right! A LOT HARDER!-o gee boo hoo

[thefool_wa]

168. Not to mention

the ramifications of their being unable to win its extension in the first place. I feel confident that, come 2006, when it all goes away that it will be gone for good. Let's all hope this damnable act is finally a part of the history books.

[sabra]

7. means there will be more debate. but still great news!

[sabra]

10. link here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com

Senate rejects reauthorizing expiring provisions of Patriot Act

[ET Awful]

9. FUCK YES - Now THAT deserves a happy dance

[VegasWolf]

11. All Americans owe Russ a huge debt of gratitude!!!!

:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:

[Zhade]

101. Indeed!

:woohoo:

[texpatriot2004]

14. Oh thank goodness. Woo Hoo! K & R this good news

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

15. Holy SHIT! n/t

[merwin]

16. Bush has officially lost control

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

27. 'sall 'bout gettin' things DONE, Stretch...TCB, takin' care o' biz-ness...

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/nation/12/15nation.html

Bush: Delay is innocent
Thursday, December 15, 2005

WASHINGTON — President Bush said he thinks indicted Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land, is innocent of money laundering charges and expressed the hope that DeLay would regain his post as House majority leader. "I hope that he will (return), 'cause I like him. And plus, when he's over there, we got our votes through the House," Bush told Fox News Channel. Bush's support came as House Republicans face the question of whether to elect a new leader.

[shanti]

134. take it away!!

the picture, the lights are on, but nobody's home!

[stepnw1f]

28. I'm Confused....

I thought this vote was for just cloture....

[merwin]

34. Yes, but if the Repubs aren't in step anymore and some of them are against

cloture, that probably means that they wouldn't vote for it either.

[stepnw1f]

37. Thanks for the Sunshine!!!!!

I'm feeling more and more psoitive about our future. But will keep the pressure on regardless. Mush work to do.

[Trevelyan]

144. Bob Barr: America in Danger of Becoming a Military State

Bob Barr: Bush administration worse on Second Amendment than Clinton
America in Danger of Becoming a Military State December 11 2005
http://www.infowars.com/articles/ps/totalitarian_regime_a_danger_repub_congressman.htm

Former Republican Congressman and CIA official Bob Barr says that there is a danger recent developments describe a trend of America slipping into a totalitarian society and that the Bush administration are doing everything in their power to see that this happens.

During a radio interview with host Alex Jones, Barr outlined where the country is heading. "Basically, as long as you smile when you demand to see somebody's ID at gunpoint sitting on a bus I guess it's OK for the government, that's sort of the way they operate. It can be a totalitarian type regime."

"I think it's a real danger where we have the military becoming involved in all sorts of domestic matters and we have the government being able to seize very private personal records on people without any suspicion that they've done anything wrong. This is a dramatic turn of events that has accelerated greatly since 9/11."...

[Lochloosa]

30. My first thought merwin. Another nail in the evil PNAC's coffin

[spindrifter]

44. Yes--and we need to emphasize that,

as well as the reasons he has gone limp duck!

[cliss]

45. Yes, this is true.

That was my first thought when I read this article on Yahoo News. I thought, "uh-oh. Bush is really finished now".

He'd better get used to defeat for the rest of his term.

[lupita]

17. Santa is coming to town early! n/t

[kansasblue]

18. Historical references: Reichstag Fire Decree

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichstag_Fire_Decree

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

124. I just read this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichstag_Fire_Decree

I AM STUNNED. My heart is actually racing.

[BadgerKid]

137. WOW. But also see Enabling Act

for its parallels to the current situation:

1. attempts to bypass the legal route to enacting legislation
2. use of the media for propaganda
3. inducing fear in the populace

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enabling_Act

The one event that hasn't yet happened (but I think we have been on the path) was violence in the homeland that triggers martial law. I have wondered whether sending out federal marshalls on ground transport was a step toward this.

[Trevelyan]

143. Martial Law No Longer On The Horizon: It's Already Here

Martial Law No Longer On The Horizon: It's Already Here - Part One
Militarized Federal Police All Over The Streets With The Precedent to Kill
http://www.infowars.com/articles/ps/martial_law_no_longer_on_the_horizon_its_here.htm

Photos ===
The move into martial law comes one week after the incident in Miami where reportedly mentally unstable man Rigoberto Alpizar was gunned down on board American Airlines Flight 924 for "saying he had a bomb".

We exposed the fact that witnesses reported that Alpizar never screamed that he had a bomb and passengers related that they were more frightened of Air Marshals putting guns to their head and threatening them not to look at what was taking place. :cry: The incident was a primer for the move to put Federal militarized police on the streets and all over transport networks.

The incident has uncanny parallels with the murder of Charles de Menezes by British undercover police one day after the supposed aborted second London bombings on July 22nd.

De Menezes was wearing a light denim jacket, did not vault a barrier, calmly picked up a newspaper, did not have wires trailing from his jacket and was not seen coming from the building under surveillance one day after the failed bombings. CCTV tapes of the incident were seized by police who then claimed that the tapes didn't exist due to the cameras conveniently malfunctioning at that exact time, something which the London Underground workers wholesale denied.De Menezes walked onto the train and was the shot in the head officially eight times, possibly more.

The two separate events set a precedent: YOU WILL FALL DIRECTLY INTO LINE should the military police deem your behaviour suspicious and wish to question you because if you don't they will KILL YOU.

[thecai]

149. AKA "The Enabling Act"

It is nearly identical to the Patriot Act.

Welcome to DU!

[thefool_wa]

169. I can't help but think...

back to the election debacle of 2000 and the footage in F911 of the HOR representatives coming before the Senate with thousands of affidavits declaring voter disenfranchisement and not a single Senator (and they only needed one) would sign the petition for investigation. If 100% of the Senate can turn its back on the principles of this nation, well lets just hope that at least 1/3 of the House can maintain their perspective if ever faced with this type of amendment.

[Metta]

20. Great! One for us. Look for them to attach the PA to everything else.

Just like they're trying to do with drilling in ANWAR.

[gratuitous]

26. Either that or attach it to an unrelated bill in conference

These fuckers are so sleazy, I wouldn't put anything past them. "Self-writing" legislation is just one little tactic they've mastered during their time in the majority.

[Metta]

31. Yup. That's what I mean.

self-writing ..., self corrupting is more like it. They think they're invulvernable to the immutable laws of karma.

[shanti]

135. that was my thought too

this is SOP for them, to hide stuff in other bills. watch out for cornered rats...

[bluestateguy]

24. I'm not celebrating

The fat white men in suits will just confer behind closed doors, cut a few deals, make a few cosmetic changes and round up the votes next time.

They can bring whatever they want, whenever they want for a vote.

[alcibiades_mystery]

29. Deceptive headline

The Rs failed to make the 60 necessary for cloture. 52 voted for cloture, 47 against.

[alarimer]

32. great news!

maybe the Bill of Rights is good for one more day.

[MaineDem]

36. Here's a link

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051216/ts_nm/security_patriot_vote_dc_1;_ylt=ApKq6KwmFj6vRw6P_8sEHguMwfIE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2ZGZwam4yBHNlYwNmYw--

[Gregorian]

38. Almost as good as a restraining order. Yay Feingold, et. al!

Bravo! Now we just need a time machine to go back in time five years.

I feel that the best form of security is to simply stop fucking with the world. Done. End of subject. And it's free. We are not at risk. But we have been put at risk. And we can change it by doing nothing. I know people don't believe that. But we have far greater things to be worried about. Far greater than even someone with a dirty bomb or two.

[shanti]

136. such as the environment

if we ruin that, NOBODY will live.....well, except the wealthy. hey wait...

[obxhead]

148. klink

:toast:

[Peace Patriot]

152. Yeah, I agree. Peace is simple and easy--only it doesn't pad the pockets

of the war profiteers who have been running things here for so long. That's the problem. An overly-militarized economy, and huge military machine, that we haven't really needed, not really, since WW II. And it couldn't even defend our capitol--not even the Pentagon--on 9/11! What are we paying FOR, except for a great big fat temptation to fascists and warmongers to cause trouble? Time to dismantle it. Peace is a lot cheaper!

I can't help but think of how we destroyed Iran's democracy in 1953. What an outrage that was. Why don't we just APOLOGIZE? Instead of saber-rattling and driving them to get nukes? They have good reason to be afraid of us. They have every reason not to trust us. But an apology wouldn't suit the war profiteers.

[truthisfreedom]

40. aww, they don't get to feel secure in their creeping fascism?

why do i feel no pity for these madmen?

[joeunderdog]

41. "HUGE defeat" indeed.

Maybe this is the signal that there's a move afoot to bring back the Constitution.

[katty]

72. Champagne tonight!!

[mmonk]

43. Celebrate!

Democracy lives another day!

[kurth]

46. The UNpatriotic Act is a piece of fascist garbage

Let it die.

[Oceansaway]

47. K&R.HOORAY !!!!

[seafan]

48. Read what Sens. Pat Leahy and Russ Feingold shouted on the floor!

From the article:


snip

But the Patriot Act's critics got a boost from a New York Times report saying Bush authorized the National Security Agency to monitor the international phone calls and international e-mails of hundreds -- perhaps thousands -- of people inside the United States. Previously, the NSA typically limited its domestic surveillance to foreign embassies and missions and obtained court orders for such investigations.

"I don't want to hear again from the attorney general or anyone on this floor that this government has shown it can be trusted to use the power we give it with restraint and care," said Feingold, the only senator to vote against the Patriot Act in 2001.

"It is time to have some checks and balances in this country," shouted Sen. Patrick Leahy, ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee. "We are more American for doing that."

[CaptAhab]

49. Senate Rejects Extension of Patriot Act

ABC News: Senate Rejects Extension of Patriot Act


WASHINGTON Dec 16, 2005 — The Senate on Friday rejected attempts to reauthorize several provisions of the USA Patriot Act as infringing too much on Americans' privacy and liberty, dealing a huge defeat to the Bush administration and Republican leaders.

In a crucial vote early Friday, the bill's Senate supporters were not able to get the 60 votes needed to overcome a threatened filibuster by Sens. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and Larry Craig, R-Idaho, and their allies. The final vote was 52-47.

<...>

Frist changed his vote at the last moment after seeing the critics would win. He decided to vote with the prevailing side so he could call for a new vote at any time. He immediately objected to an offer of a short term extension from Democrats, saying the House won't approve it and the president won't sign it.

<...>

[CottonBear]

50. Wow.

What happens next?

[rd_kent]

51. So, Is this an actual victory?

Or are we going to go through it all again early next year?

[KeepItReal]

56. So Frist voted *against* the patriot act before he votes *for* it?

remember this...

[Bluerthanblue]

59. I should have known what that was

all about- it happens at our town meeting, and annual school board meetings all the time-
Playing absolutely dirty- not what was intended when the 'rules' were written- but 'legal' as to roberts rules of order-

And we expect our children to grow up to be honest, responsible citizens?????

humbling- and a cause for shame.

[Wabbajack]

120. It's just a procederal thing

so he can call for a new vote later. It's not something that can be used to tarnish him, Senate leaders have been doing it forever.

[WyLoochka]

155. Oh, Kerry can be "tarnished"

for strategic "procedural" votes but a Repub can't be?

[The Backlash Cometh]

52. Oh, YAY! Go Dems!

[No Exit]

53. RUSS FEINGOLD: MAN OF THE YEAR

Man of the Hour. Patriot. America's Last Best Hope. Rescuer of America. First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.

[aquart]

54. It fails until they sneak it thru in a midnight session, right?

I want a guarantee that Frist won't pull that. Actually, I want his ass in jail.

[bornskeptic]

60. That can't be done, under Senate rules.

Cloture requires 60 votes, not merely 60% of those present.

cloture - The only procedure by which the Senate can vote to place a time limit on consideration of a bill or other matter, and thereby overcome a filibuster. Under the cloture rule (Rule XXII), the Senate may limit consideration of a pending matter to 30 additional hours, but only by vote of three-fifths of the full Senate, normally 60 votes.

http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/cloture.htm

[Bill McBlueState]

55. Well, I know who I want to be President

I sure hope Feingold runs.

[thecai]

61. Be Sure To Vote On The Survey, Also

Vote NO-it violates our civil rights.

Thank you!

[shantipriya]

62. Patriot Act!?!?

Does anyone know how LIEberman voted?

[ashling]

63. Senate Blocks Extension of Patriot Act

(12-16) 09:45 PST WASHINGTON, (AP) --

The Senate on Friday rejected attempts to reauthorize several provisions of the USA Patriot Act as infringing too much on Americans' privacy, dealing a major defeat to President Bush and Republican leaders.

In a crucial vote Friday morning as Congress raced toward adjournment, the bill's Senate supporters were not able to garner the 60 votes necessary to overcome a threatened filibuster by Sens. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and Larry Craig, R-Idaho, and their allies. The final vote was 52-47

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/12/16/national/w093045S55.DTL

[primavera]

172. I'm sorry it took a filibuster

It would have been nice if the monstrosity could have expired without recourse to a filibuster; the filibuster will give Repukes the argument that a majority supported Patriot and it was killed by the minority through parliamentary "trickery." I'll also be surprised if Repukes don't take up again the whole issue of whether or not to allow Dems to have the filibuster, since we violated Lieberpuke's arrangement whereby we promised to ask nicely for permission of the Repuke leadership under extraordinary circumstances whether it would be alright if we pretty please with sugar on top exercised our constitutional right to filibuster.

[slipslidingaway]

64. U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00358

[SteppingRazor]

67. Predictably, the only Dems to vote against the filibuster...

Were Ben Nelson and Tim Johnson... I guess, given their redder-than-red home states, they couldn't afford to be too courageous. :eyes:

[worldgonekrazy]

76. Those were strategic decisions

Ben Nelson is a freshman Senator who is up for re-election next year. Granted, Katherine Harris is pencilled in as his opponent right now, and he should easily be able to beat her, but still, why should he stick his neck out if it isn't necessary? I'd like to think that had it been necessary for him to vote for the fillibuster, he would have. Same goes for Johnson.

[SteppingRazor]

77. Katherine Harris is running against Bill Nelson in Florida...

not Ben Nelson in Nebraska.

Other than that, though, I do agree that these "yea" votes for cloture -- given that the GOP ddin't have the votes for cloture anyway -- are probably for the best.

[depakid]

95. Get your Nelson's straight before jumping to apologize

It was that same piece of shit from Nebraska who always undercuts the Dems.

Next time he runs, I'll be giving some money to his opponent- even if it's a Republican in a general election.

[worldgonekrazy]

170. Same idea still applies

He's a Democrat in a very red state. Sometimes, when it doesn't really matter anyways, you have to vote in a manner that won't upset the constituency and leave you open to Republican attack ads. I'm not saying its a good general principle, but in this case, it really didn't make a difference.

[Pab Sungenis]

92. Why didn't Dodd vote?

Was he not on the floor? Or did he not vote as a way of abstaining?

[Trevelyan]

147. Dodd is Bilderberger like Kerry and the rest of the PNAC

Second article I read on Bilderberg just mentioned kerry in passing and thought they would run Dodd as Presidential candidate. Clinton was booted up to Bilderberg from Trilateral Commission before Bilderberg decided they should let a DINO cut health care and welfare and "soften up" Iraq by murdering at least 500,000 Iraqi kids with the cutting off of Iraq from any trade. When did the Oil For Food Scandal take place that was supposed to save the lives of these kids and God knows how many adults.

Madelaine Albright, appointed by the beloved Clinton, stated "I think it is worth it." when asked if the starvation and illness caused by isolating Iraq was worth it when the statistics at that time were 500,000 Iraqi children dying and have heard much higher numbers.

Gave the BFEE a head start when Bilderberg decided to install our present Resident.

[Doomsayer13]

171. Dodd is not in Washington

If you actually tried CHECKING all the other votes that were registered that day, you would see that he wasn't there. I'm sorry if it ruins your PNAC conspiracies.

[IronLionZion]

165. Yet the redder than red state's Republican voted against it

Chuck Hagel (R-NE) voted Nay, and he's supposedly running for president!

[wryter2000]

75. Thank you

:yourock:

The only Dem to go the wrong way -- Nelson
The R's going the right way -- Craig, Hagel, Murkowski, Sununu (the four we expected) and Frist so that he can call for a revote whenever he wants. Flip-flopper!

[KamaAina]

105. Oh, so THAT'S why the Tabby Terminator joined in!

Somehow I just knew it wasn't because he wanted to do the right thing... Meow!

[louis c]

106. Say Good-Bye to Your RI Seat, Lincoln Chafee

You two-faced piece of shit.

[CountAllVotes]

65. ah THANK YOU!!!!!

Thank you Senators!!!!

:party: let the :party: begin!!!! :D

'tis the end of these crooks!!! :party: :party: :party:

:dem: :kick: :kick: :kick: !!!!!!

[MilesColtrane]

66. So, this will make violating the Constitution

illegal? It's already illegal, and it wont' stop BushCo™ from doing what they do best.
Thanks Congress. You're like a rapist sending an apology card to his victim.

[derby378]

70. Now for another pertinent question...

How much of the USA PATRIOT Act is still on the books and will remain so after New Year's Eve? Is it all stuff we want to keep, or are there more provisions we need to chip away at?

[Cookie wookie]

90. Great News. My vote is for Feingold for President!

This is the best of news. Many of these are especially bad, including 218 which assists * in efforts to erode separation of powers through warrantless searches and 203 which permits disclosure of Grand Jury information.

In answer to your question, from source: Nancy Chang, "Silencing Political Dissent," 2002, permanent, still on the books and dangerous to democracy and freedom:

Section 802: creates a federal crime of "domestic terrorism". Acts of civil disobedience could fall under this section, even those that are nonviolent and do not result in injuries.

Section 411: Entry barred because of speech. "...harkens back to a Cold War-era statute, the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952" repealed in 1990. "It was used to bar many prominent scholars, writers, and political activists from the United States including Nobel Prize winners Gabriel Garcia Marquez ... Pablo Neruda...." p. 46 This also deals with expansion of deportation grounds.

Section 412 gives attorney general "unreviewed certification that he has 'reasonable grounds to believe' that a noncitizen is engaged in terrorist activities or other activities that threaten the national security." This is where the "preventive detention" and hiding of suspected terrorists is made possible.

Section 213: Delays notices of searches of property/premises; not limited to terrorism but includes all criminal investigations

Section 216: tracking telephone and Internet traffic "anywhere within the United States when a government attorney has certfied that the information to be obtained is 'relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation.' " "...authorizes the government to install its new Carnivore...system, a formidible tracking device that is capable of intercepting all forms of Internet activity, including e-mail messages, Web page activity, and Internet telephone communcations." p.55

[psychopomp]

130. Important post

Here is a link to the quoted resource:
http://www.ccr-ny.org/v2/reports/docs/USA_PATRIOT_ACT.pdf

[katty]

71. CALL RUSS and THANK HIM!

[redqueen]

74. I was soooooooo happy when I saw this bulletin in my e-mail.

I really do need to call Feingold's office and express my gratitude.

[madmark]

78. The senate doing what the senate is suppose to do

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

79. A major thumb...

In the maladministration's eye.

[zann725]

81. Frist joining the opposition? Certainly a "Frist" first.

n/t

[Charles19]

138. Frist voted against cloture so they can bring the bill up for a

vote again later.

They had to buy more time to figure out how to get around a filibuster. I don't think they will be able to do that and we owe that to the one Senator with back bone on this and that is Russ Feingold.

This event however makes Bush look really REALLY bad. While the White House was playing tough guy saying they would vetoe a three month extension to force them to vote for it, the Senate thumbed their noses at them and may just let it go bye bye.

It would just be so nice to see our govenment work with a separation of powers again, just for old times sake. Where the president didn't just get everything he wanted every time :-).

[Judi Lynn]

82. Senate rejects reauthorization of Patriot

Senate rejects reauthorization of Patriot Act
Failure of vote to pre-empt filibuster is major defeat for administration

Updated: 2:53 p.m. ET Dec. 16, 2005
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate on Friday rejected attempts to reauthorize several provisions of the nation’s top anti-terror law as infringing too much on Americans’ privacy, dealing a major defeat to President Bush and Republican leaders.

In a crucial vote early Friday, the bill’s Senate supporters were not able to get the 60 votes needed to overcome a threatened filibuster by Sens. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and Larry Craig, R-Idaho, and their allies. The final vote was 52-47.

Bush, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and GOP congressional leaders had lobbied fiercely to make most of the 16 expiring Patriot Act provisions permanent, and add new safeguards and expiration dates to the two most controversial parts: roving wiretaps and secret warrants for books, records and other items from businesses, hospitals and organizations such as libraries.
(snip/...)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10485860/

[ramapo]

83. How about that?

Wonders never cease!

[jayfish]

84. The Biggest Victory For Freedom In The Last 5-years -NT-

Jay

[Massachusetts]

85. I'm smilin!

52-47.

[WindRavenX]

86. excellent, excellent news

Awesome :bounce:

[SemiCharmedQuark]

87. About time they did their fucking job.

I'm sick of this shit. I hope they don't fall for Bush's lies again.

[stray cat]

109. Feingold has never fallen for it.

The only one to vote against the patriot act because he was the only one who actually read it. However, its about time some other people saw the light.

[Hekate]

88. Cue "Hallelujah Chorus"

:wow:

Prayers beginning to be answered.

Hekate

[Bushy Being Born]

89. Thank God for this!!

...assuming there is one! :evilgrin:

This makes me marginally less mad at those 44 DINOS who voted for it in the house. For now.

[GrantDem]

91. Who are the two Dems

that voted for cloture?

[hyphenate]

93. What's funny

>>>>"Those that would give up essential liberties in pursuit in a little temporary security deserve neither liberty nor security," said Sen. John Sununu, R-N.H. They suggested a short extension so negotiations could continue, but the Senate scrapped a Democratic-led effort to renew the USA Patriot Act for just three months before the vote began.<<<<<<

What's funny is that the reporter attributes this to Sununu, and not to its original author, Benjamin Franklin!

[latebloomer]

128. Hmm, wonder if Sununu gave Franklin credit?

I recognize the quote, and think any decently-educated reporter should as well, but what do I know?

[AuntiBush]

94. When Repuks Flip-Flop...

... they're just changing their minds. A-holes!

[pstans]

96. In Russ we Trust

It was lead by Feingold, but it couldn't have been without the help of Republicans like Craig and others. Put this with the White House caving on McCain's torture bill and Bu$h and Rove can't even win battles within their own party.

And to quote Bob Dylan...

Then they'll raise their hands,
Sayin' we'll meet all your demands,
But we'll shout from the bow your days are numbered.
And like Pharaoh's tribe,
They'll be drownded in the tide,
And like Goliath, they'll be conquered.



www.russforpresident.com

[Straight Shooter]

98. McCain voted yea. Lieberman voted nay.

McCain, this will come back to haunt you.

edit: How disappointing, Chafee voted yea.

The link again:
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00358

[superconnected]

100. McCain has always done this crap.

He's a die hard Republican supporter when it comes down to it. He's a moderate when he want elected.

[Straight Shooter]

108. So you're saying he's schizophrenic.

I can go along with that. He certainly doesn't seem to have a consistent political identity.

[superconnected]

115. Schizophrenics can't help it. This guy is worse.

He has an agenda, and works it. He's always parleying up to the dems.

oh, and stabbing them in the back when it comes down to the wire.

[Straight Shooter]

117. I'm wondering if he *can* help it or not.

He was a POW who endured god-knows-what. Extreme stress affects the endocrine system, which affects one's psychological functioning. He could literally be schizophrenic. Has anyone questioned what medication he is on?

At the least, he displays Stockholm syndrome. His ability to continue smiling and bending over without a lubricant after Rove jammed that "black illegitimate baby" rumor into McCain's political arse during campaign 2000 is not a sign of a mentally stable human being. People dismissed Kerry for not attacking the Swiftboaters (which he did, but the MSM barely showed it). We should use that same ammunition against McCain.

He is unstable. And according to his own litmus test he applied to Murtha, McCain is also too old.

[karynnj]

125. McCain actually reacted to the charges against him be going into a total

meltdown - even after Kerry organized all the Senate vets and some Kerry allies in VVA to rally around him.

Kerry's response avoided that emotionalism and simply fought the charges on the facts (with little MSM help). McCain was destroyed by the meltdown and blowup he had because of the charges, while Kerry was damaged to some extent but survived a far larger more complex attack with his dignity and viability intact. (If the BL tape wouldn't have surfaced, Kerry would likely have won and the story would have been his grace vs their slime.) Kerry may have avoided a justifiablely emotional response because it hurt McCain.

[Peace Patriot]

154. Kerry lost because of Diebold and ES&S and their "trade secret,"

proprietary source code--Bushite corporations "tabulating" all our votes in secret, with virtually no audit/recount controls. If you were Rove, would you have passed up that temptation?

But I think your analysis of Kerry vs. McCain is otherwise a good one. McCain seems to relate to Bush the way he may have related to his captors and torturers--exreme ambivalence (fear, need for protection)--PTSS, I think. Kerry clearly is a stabler personality

If Kerry made a mistake (besides taking Christopher Dodd's advice on electronic voting), it was not being against Bush's dirty rotten war. 58% of the American people opposed it from the beginning (Feb. '03). He might have overcome the fraud.

[cosmicone]

118. I think McCain made a deal...

His support for the Patriot Act in exchange for the chimp ending torture.

[Peace Patriot]

153. Chafee voted against the Iraq War resolution in 2002. Wonder what's up

with him. Odd vote for him. A tradeoff of some kind? He saw the anti's didn't need his vote, and took the opportunity to get something from the Bushites? I can't think that he believes anything Bush says or wants him to have these powers

[michreject]

102. I'm shocked

If I drank, i'd break out the champagne. Hope that this is the first of many defeats.

I like the sound of "lame duck". Me thinks that a lot of Senators are going to vote to get re-elected and not how shrub wants them to.

[evworldeditor]

103. Just Called Chuck Hagel's DC Office...

Thanked his staffer for the vote. She seemed to appreciate the call. Now what the heck is with Ben Nelson (D.NE)?

[IronLionZion]

166. So he can call for a revote in case the Dems lost?

When only 1 or 2 Dems vote the wrong way, it's often strategic like this. That's why Frist voted Nay. Still it looks bad that Nebraska's Republican voted Nay and the Democrat voted Yea.

[Rainscents]

104. I am so happy!!! Yea for all who voted this down!

Thank you!!! :thumbsup:

[benny05]

107. I am a librarian

So this is "woo-hoo" Rolling Stones music to me.

Thank you Senators Feingold (who was very articulate on C-SPAN yesterday) and Reid to lead the charge. Still have a ways to go, but gag orders on seizures of your book checkout records or book buying titles? Or even the computers in general? More taps on telephones or cell phones? Terrible way to spend time--very Facsist or Communist to me? I don't think many terriorists have been apprehended over academic library terminals. If * and his ilk felt so strongly about this, they should provide stats on this...as all of us have to do with Census or other bureaus.

[distantearlywarning]

110. This is the best news I've heard in...well... a year!

I'm celebrating tonight! (and writing my senators to thank them for finally doing something right for a change!)

[youngturk kc]

111. All or nothing???

The Young Turks are pondering why do we have to have either none of the patriot act or all of it. Why can we not have the 95% everyone agrees on?

Its hilarious to watch them discuss it, hand waving, desk thumping and all. They have started broadcasting their shows on their website: http://www.theyoungturks.com. Tune in.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

112. Hey there, young turk kc........

Welcome to DU!

[mike_c]

113. thank you, Senator Feingold....

:patriot:

[Canuckistanian]

114. CBC in Canada had it pegged

They said the release of information showing that Shrub ordered illegal spying was the cause of many Senators voting against the measure.

And they even mentioned Russ Feingold!

[alphafemale]

119. I did a minor Meg Ryan impersonation when I heard this...Yes! Yes! YES!

What a wonderful present our Senators gave us this season.

[Hotler]

121. About the vote. Some repugs are realizing that the...

neo-cons don't give a shit about them. The neo-cons have been hiding behind and using the GOP to get elected. The more power the neo-cons get the less they need the GOP. Soon the neo-cons will throw the repugs to the ground just like they have done us. The neo-cons should have been registered as a third party candidate. Then the people would have seen what greedy, mean, nasty, hateful people the lot is.

[Charles19]

140. Amen to that! (n/t)

[BamaBecky]

122. This is so encourging! Yeah! Woo Hoo! Yippie!

This is a good day for democracy!
Bama

[Rich Hunt]

123. hooray

Yea!!

[Thor_MN]

126. GOP "logic"

"We know that the Patriot Act is flawed, but we must have it's provisions."

Extend this to the process of the Death Penalty: "It's better to kill innocent people than to let one suspected murderer go free....

[twaddler01]

127. Lets keep it down

please. Good for the Senate!

[WLKjr]

129. Best news I have heard today comming out of the Senate

I am glad 57 of them had the balls and ovaries big enough to say enough is enough.

[emald]

131. a positive step

in the right direction to limit power to this assholes convention we call the "leadership".

Now if we can just get * to abide by the laws he swore to uphold we might actually get somewhere in this country. But his crimiality goes back a long way, little chance he might reform now.

[shanti]

132. GIVE THANKS!!!!!!

this made my day! they ARE waking up!

[lovuian]

133. This is the BEST NEWS!!!

I see a rebellion taking place!!!

[bklyncowgirl]

139. Nice work Senator Feingold and Craig and Kudos to Reid and Leahy also

This is a bit of badly needed good news.

[TankLV]

141. Yes!

Finally, great news, at long last.

Hope this can be maintained.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

145. Excellent news!

And it's nice to see a Democrat and a Republican (Feingold and Craig) teaming up to stop it.

[T_i_B]

150. Senators defeat Bush in row over civil liberties

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/12/17/wpatriot17.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/12/17/ixportal.html

America's main anti-terrorist legislation, passed in the days of fear after September 11, was yesterday defeated by senators who said it threatened traditional liberties. Key elements of the USA Patriot Act will now have to be renegotiated.

The failure to renew a signature piece of legislation marked another stinging defeat for President George W Bush following his earlier surrender to demands that America ban the use of torture against terrorist suspects.

The vote mirrored similar problems experienced by the British and other governments on anti-terrorist measures.

Many legislators in America and elsewhere, who were once willing to curtail civil liberties to confront terrorism, have changed their minds after allegations that the authorities have misused their powers.

[Peace Patriot]

151. Hallejuh! And just remember that this started at the GRASS ROOTS, in

towns and cities across the country, one by one passing resolutions against the Patriot Act. Democracy in action. Responsive representatives in Washington DC. What a joy!

[rodeodance]

156. Senate Rejects Extension of Patriot Act (stunning defeat for Bush)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051217/ap_on_go_co/patriot_act;_ylt=AtXgabzOBtZlP.6fV6LEufSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--
Senate Rejects Extension of Patriot Act

By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent 1 hour, 2 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - In a stinging defeat for President Bush, Senate Democrats blocked passage Friday of a new Patriot Act to combat terrorism at home, depicting the measure as a threat to the constitutional liberties of innocent Americans.

Republicans spurned calls for a short-term measure to prevent the year-end expiration of law enforcement powers first enacted in the anxious days after Sept. 11, 2001. "The president will not sign such an extension," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., and lawmakers on each side of the issue blamed the other for congressional gridlock on the issue.

The Senate voted 52-47 to advance a House-passed bill to a final vote, eight short of the 60 needed to overcome the filibuster backed by nearly all Senate Democrats and a handful of the 55 Republicans.

"We can come together to give the government the tools it needs to fight terrorism and protect the rights and freedoms of innocent citizens," said Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis., arguing that provisions permitting government access to confidential personal data lacked safeguards to protect the innocent......

[no_hypocrisy]

157. It isn't over until Congress goes home for the holidays.

Don't be surprised to see a reconstituted (excuse the pun) PATRIOT Act on Monday after *'s nationally televised message "to the People" to call their Senators to renew the damned thing.

I rest my case.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5618809

[rodeodance]

158. yes, you are right. But is a sweet moments victory

[rodeodance]

159. and Bush will use his radio address today to paint the Dems as soft

on terror.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

160. How many people do you believe are even bothering to listen to.....

...those radio addresses? And of the ones that do, how many still believe anything Herr Busch says?

[roger72645]

162. Right!! Most people don't believe a word he says, makes you wonder

how he could get any votes in Congress to renew the so called Patriot Act.

But, why does he need a law to do his business. He ignores the Constitution and the law at his convenience.

Bush has given the Congress grounds to impeach him. Let's see if they have the ethics and character to do so.

Keep the flags flying.

[Jim__]

161. The recent exposure of bush spying on the American people

should work in the Dems favor. I hope bush can't persuade the American people that his spying on them is in their interest.

[electron_blue]

163. One more giant "woohoo!" here

[Davros]

164. One little victory!

One Little Victory
By Rush

A certain measure of innocence
Willing to appear naive
A certain degree of imagination
A measure of make-believe

A certain degree of surrender
To the forces of light and heat
A shot of satisfaction
In a willingness to risk defeat
Celebrate the moment
As it turns into one more
Another chance at victory
Another chance to score

The measure of the moment
In a difference of degree
Just one little victory
A spirit breaking free
One little victory
The greatest act can be
One little victory

A certain measure of righteousness
A certain amount of force
A certain degree of determination
Daring on a different course

A certain amount of resistance
To the forces of the light and love
A certain measure of tolerance
A willingness to rise above

[AndyP]

167. Email Russ to thank him!!

[e-mail]

Let him know that we are grateful for someone leading the charge and standing up for what is right!