Almost Cause for Celebration

The US House of Representatives voted to repeal part of the Patriot Act--the part known as the "library provision." However, this might be more symbolic than anything else.

Bernie Sanders included the provision in an appropriations bill for the Justice Department, and Team Bush is threatening a veto--in addition, the bill goes to the Senate, who might make their own additions/subtractions before a Conference Committee irons everything out...hence, almost a celebration.

Still, it's a start--albeit a small one. FBI agents can still sniff around public computers with internet connections--oh, and they've ALWAYS had the ability to do genuine police work, that is, investigating, obtaining the proper writs and warrants, etc. (you could call some provisions of the "Patriot" Act the "Lazy" Act--that would be more accurate).