Obama Extends Patriot Act

Say it ain’t so, Barack!

And, of course, the US media can’t be bothered to give this story any more than a couple perfunctory paragraphs. The Times and The Post fail to mention it whatsoever, Reuters gives it a lukewarm 300-word summary, and no one else even tried.

Let’s not forget the serious evidence of systemic abuses within the Patriot Act’s framework. The act has no mechanisms for oversight and no way for anyone to know what the FBI is doing with the massive information to which they now have access.

So in short, President Obama believes in:

– Wiretapping any and all American telephones for any reason or no reason at all.

– Depriving habeas corpus to anyone he deems a “terrorist”, effectively allowing for indefinite detention, interrogation by torture, and “rendition” to any part of the globe. Also, they don’t get to see a lawyer.

– State – sanctioned assassinations (read: murder) of any US citizen he deems to be a “terrorist”.

– Suspension of the 4th Amendment, allowing for unlimited searches and seizures without a warrant, including credit records, medical history – pretty much anything they want

– Deporting any legal immigrant or citizens accused of “supporting terrorism”.

– Ordering FBI surveillance based on how you exercise your First Amendment Rights.

– Seizing the Assets of anyone engaging in civil disobedience.

Fabulous.