PATRIOT Act
What Would Jefferson (or Madison) Do?
There are many parallels between the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 and the Patriot Act of 2001. You would’ve thought that Americans would’ve learned in history class about the lessons to be learned from 1798.... oh wait, we don’t really teach the parts of history we don’t like anymore.
“It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad.” - James Madison
“[The people are] made for a moment to be willing instruments in forging chains for themselves.” - Thomas Jefferson
The above statements were made in 1798 regarding the Alien and Sedition Acts. You can also apply those statements today to the Patriot Act (or just about any Act of Congress that threatens our liberties).
It's For Your Safety
Last weekend, Congress quietly renewed the PATRIOT Act for one year while we were fixated on Obamacare. The Senate was unanimous, while the House was 315-97 in favor.
I find it quite ironic that the same Democrats who decried the PATRIOT Act as the worst ever Act of Congress voted in favor of renewing it. This just goes to show that it doesn’t matter what our representatives say or where they appear to stand on an issue, but it only matters how it helps them.
