Posted by EasyChair on 02/09/11
Last updated 02/09/11

  In sizing up the House of Representatives' recent vote on HR 514 (Patriot Act Renewal) several things stand out.  It is quite ironic that on January 6th House members are reading the Constitution and on February 8th the Republican leadership advocates suspending the rules in the name of roving wiretaps and "sneak and peek".   Speaker Boehner was so interested protecting the Constitution that he failed to cast a vote in the matter.

  When the vote of the Texas delegation is examined it is clear the "writ of assistance" Republicans were voting in lock step with Representative Lamar Smith.  Smith was viewed to have "egg on this face" for failing to count the votes before hand.  Of particular disappointment are newly elected Representatives Caseco, Farenthold and Flores, who fell in line with the "old guard".  Farenthold has obviously abandoned his Tea Party base to become a TEOCON.  The lone Republican vote against the measure was cast by some obscure member from Lake Jackson.

  The Democrats held party ranks on the measure with only 3 of the 9 defecting to the big brother caucus.  Representatives Cuellar, Hinojosa and Reyes should be recognized for going out of their respective "ways" to promote misguided Bush-era policies.

  Please contact your Representative today and ask that they not "cherry-pick" which parts of the Constitution they support by promoting such oxymoronic legislation.

Posted 02/10/11 aldante carlsbad, CA

I discussed this with assistant from my Rep Brian Bilbray- who also voted for the oxymoronic act. I also stepped it up and sent this fax: Congressman Brian Bilbray California’s 50th Congressional District Washington D.C. 2/10/2010 Congressman Bilbray, Today I suffered a nightmare when I contacted your office. I was told by James that you voted for the H.R. 514. As an eternal optimist I am hoping that you perhaps do not understand what you have done with this vote and will change it today. I am asking you to consider the following and then rise up with your full energy and influence and defeat this bill today! You have made promises that you believe in our Constitution. This is one reason that I supported you in the last election cycle. The “Patriot” Act shreds the 4th Amendment. What is it about the 4th amendment that you believe leaves wiggle room? 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. Do you believe that a law enforcement officer offers more assurance of “unreasonable” then a Judge – a member of our 3rd branch of government? Do you believe members of CIA or FBI never make mistakes or worse still overreach their power? The “Patriot” Act offers no such assurances. In fact when it was passed in 2001 Congress knew its danger to and that is why the “Sunset Provisions” were added. Two days ago, 3 major provisions were hidden from view with no debate. Thank God (not the representatives who voted for it) it did not pass. Congressman, I am happy to take my time to convince you of your error. Unfortunately, I am left with the belief that you do indeed know the 4th Amendment and you do indeed know the “Patriot Act” and have been influenced by lobbyists whose firms make gigantic profits making services and equipment designed to “enforce” the “Patriot” Act. Unless you change your vote – or convince me with a public statement that I am incorrect, I will do everything in my legal power to influence all voters against you. By the way, if you would like to know my views you can contact your college in Congress Ron Paul of 14th congressional district of Texas. You may have noticed (if you ever read this letter) that I have surrounded the word patriot with quotes. That is because this act is anti American. It is anti American because it is unconstitutional. Why not join Ron Paul and myself? Be a true Patriot and vote against H.R. 514. Respectfully,

Posted 02/10/11 mit26chell Atlanta, GA

I feel like spitting in each of their faces. To me, they're nothing more than criminals. I actually believe they ARE criminals, because this bill is CRIMINAL, they KNOW it, yet they continually ENDORSE it. So - the new Congress is in, they're not listening to the people of this country - is it time to physically remove them from their offices and occupy the entire Capital?

Posted 02/13/11 guido Houston, TX

Great posts, indeed. mit26chell, one sobering aspect of this "patriot" act is that the very actions you describe are likely the same actions this bill is meant to monitor/prevent. Surely their perceived threat is not from outside the gates. Respectfully, -guido