'The Patriot Act OK'S wire tapping saying a friend of mine in the Army

[Maraya1969]

for 24 years. Actually I am asking this as a question. She keeps telling me to read the Patriot Act and all I can see is things like: "replace this with that" and "strike this statement" of the regular laws.


Anyone know the definitive answer?

[bullimiami]

1. the "patriot" act allows them to get retroactive fisa warrants up to 72hrs

after the fact. this is still a felony.

[Greeby]

2. Even if it did

The Patriot Act is toast on December 31st :D

[Tarc]

3. Your friend is ignorant.

No offense, but she is.

The rightys are keying into the Patriot Act as giving the president carte blanche authority to do whatever he feels is necessary when faced with protecting our "national security". That is the same line of BS that the Supreme Court shot down when this administration tried to argue that in regards to the detainment of Guantanamo prisoners without trial.

[Walt Starr]

4. The definitive answer

is current U.S. code:

Title 50, Chapter 36, Subchapter I. Sections 1801 - 1811.

He does have the authority under Section 1811, but only after Congress declares war. The last time Congress declared war was on December 11, 1941 when we declared war on Germany and Itlay. Prior to that on December 8, 1941 Congress declared war on the Empire of Japan.

edited to add link:

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode50/usc_sup_01_50_10_36_20_I.html

Any Act of Congress simply amends existing U.S. code.