No Brainer Bipartisanship

With a 94-2 vote, the Senate passed a bill that canceled a provision in the Patriot Act that allowed the Attorney General to appoint U.S. attorneys without Senate confirmation.

It is very unusual to see Republicans opposing any section of the Patriot Act, which they universally considered to be the ultimate solution to fighting terrorism. Many complain that we have not been asked to sacrifice much since the War on Terror began in earnest 5.5 years ago. I wholeheartedly disagree. Here are some of the things we have sacrified:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment IV

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.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.