Reply #2: cudgel to beat Dems and non-fascist Repubs (the few that exist)...

[progdonkey]

The Patriot Act exists for no other purpose than to be a "bill that is neccessary to fight the terrorists" that anyone who loves this country most vote against, thereby opening themselves up to charges that they're not "serious" about fighting terrorism.

And when someone votes with them on the Patriot Act, they own them, because they know that person is less likely to criticize their terrorism policies, since the Bushies will just say "Hey, you voted for this! What, are you a flip-flopper?!"

Vote for the Patriot Act and come out later against it: Flip-flopper.

Vote against the Patriot Act: terrorist appeaser and not "serious" about terrorism.

It serves no purpose in the actual law enforcement activities in the War to Subjugate Brown People, since Chimpy will just do what he wants, whether there's a law or not.