Centrists, Progressives, and Verizon

[Don1]

We progressives were quite upset with USA PATRIOT Act reauthorization in 2005. The end result was more centrist compromise in Congress that extended some sections of the PATRIOT Act. While, sure, some improvements were made, one piece which was NOT AN IMPROVEMENT really sticks out:

Changing Section 212 of the USA Patriot Act, so that electronic service providers (Verizon, Comcast, etc.) are authorized to voluntarily (i.e., without a warrant) disclose customer records and the content of communications in an emergency situation -- where delay could be harmful, but without a need to show "immediacy."

http://feinstein.senate.gov/05releases/r-patriot.htm

Note the word "Verizon." And see what happened now with the recent news about Verizon?

This is exactly what we progressives said would happen.

We objected to the USA PATRIOT Act then and we still do, including its Unconstitutional reauthorizations.

Kucinich wants to scrap it and so do we.

[Don1]

1. Wake Up Centrists

Centrists are complaining now about something that they should have complained about years ago.

[alfredo]

2. My letter to Verizon

As a long time Verizon customer I am disappointed that you have decided to take part in bush's illegal surveillance of American citizens. Please reconsider.

If I had known your loyalty was to him instead of the Constitution, I would not have renewed my contract.