Do most Republicans want the Patriot Act to be renewed?

[redqueen]

Republicans used to gripe and complain about governmental invasion of privacy... and I know when it was first passed there was a not-so-small contingent of them who were rankled by it. So, I'm wondering, now that it's up for renewal, and considering that their fears were put off by their masters saying it was 'only temporary'... are they buying that B.S., too? Or are they mad?

I know what WE think about it... will the GOP's renewal of this liberty-shredding bill impact their lock on congress in '06?

(Assuming, of course, that we secure enough auditable elections, and not Diebold elections, before then...)

[applegrove]

1. If it results in continued fear so that the repukes can get re-elected

then they like it.

If it makes people feel too safe and they will vote on domestic issues then no - they want it gone.

IMHO

[txaslftist]

2. Yes they do...

Their masters have told them to support it, so they do.

Republicans' defining characteristic is they do as they are told.

[havocmom]

3. The ones in my county sure as hell DON'T

They don't like ANYTHING about it. They know it is unAmerican and extremely dangerous. They are all happy the state legislature passed a condemnation of it and they curse the 12 Republican members that voted against that condemnation.

We need to be careful about branding all Republicans with the same brand as those Republicans who are really fascists. We need to remember some of the rank and file GOP voters are not happy with the corporate takeover of America. We need to cultivate them, court them and show them how to take their party back from the destructive element in control of it.

Painting them all with the same brush will not win us friends nor will it influence anyone. Reach out instead. Educate and communicate instead of alienate.

[Toots]

6. Yes believe it or not there are a few issues we can agree about.

I doubt there is any regular person republican that is happy with the Debt and or Deficit. They are starting to realize that with Republicans in complete control the economy is just continueing to get worse. Very few like the Patriot act but they believe their party when it says it is a necessary measure. I am sure if we tried we could find more issues we could come together on. I hear the very Republican state of Alaska is talking about raising taxes on the oil industry. Is that completely unheard of or what? It goes completely counter to what Republicans stand for...Maybe not enough Republican lawmakers are getting huge campaign donations from the industry but for them to actually suggest raising taxes on the industry is a shocker...

[redqueen]

8. I know some that support it, some who don't.

The hardcore Gingrichites of the 90's used to howl and gnash their teeth about invasion of privacy... I would hope they'd not sold that principle for a $300 tax cut (soon eaten up by higher property taxes, gas prices, etc.)

I think the DNC should make a stink about it, and make sure it stays fresh in the minds of those Republicans who haven't yet drunk the koolaid.

[liberal N proud]

4. Most republicans want what ever FAUX tells them to want

They can't think about such things, That is what they have the stupid shits in Washington for.

[Selteri]

5. too many I know have said they support it

It's a disgusting piece of legislature that is bound on destroying civil liberties, but they think it's there to protect them from the terrorists.

Like it hasn't already been widely abused.

Scuba divers

Libraries
and
a number of Lawyers

who's already been victims would likely not disagree.

[Jack The Tab]

7. Something to remember...not all republicans are Freerepublic members..

If you form an opinion about Republicans strictly from what you read at places like Freerepublic, you get a very misguided opinion.

Truth is, many of my Republican friends are very disillusioned with their party and it's current leadership. Many of them told me that had there been a more forceful and consistent Democrat running for president, they would have voted for him instead of Bush. Bush barely trumped Kerry because Kerry was his own worst enemy.

So when you see the Freepers howling about great police would look with red arm bands and black uniforms, just remember that they represent a very radical fringe element of that party.