A proposal for activism around the Patriot Act and this
keep America safe legislation. This surveillance program is set to expire soon but I'm certain there are powerful parties who will see that is renewed or reincarnated in some form. I would like to see some public debate on this issue of security vs. privacy.
Someone earlier suggested that this is an issue on which to work with other groups traditionally viewed as opposition-libertarions and tea partiers. Some have talked more recently about how OWS is not so visible. Then there is Code Pink (whom I wouldblike to see drop their distracting circus act so their message gets through.
Basically I would propose a unified demand for open debate on this law with the purpose of modifying it for oversight and protections of civil rights and a demand for due process. Throw Guantanamo into the mix too. Congress needs to get to work on this. I don't care if it is not on their summer schedule. Bad law must be corrected and what better time than now? Do not assume that the program will just shut down. I do not trust the military brass or the intelligence services to act forthrightly with the people.
I do encourage the nation to demand that this aspect of national security be brought before the people and debated before future actions are codified. I don't think this issue is a black or white one but one with lots of gray. It is time for the people to confront their legislators. I'm personally sick of all the divining of the runes ad naueuem and would like to see the dialogue to be upgraded beyond speculation and for it to take place with identifiable people rather than shadowy groups. Can we occupy this area of our civic responsibility in a unified fashion? What say you?