Sam Farr: “I rise in opposition to S. 2271, the PATRIOT Act Amendments. James Madison, our 4th President, said, ``I believe there…”

“I rise in opposition to S. 2271, the PATRIOT Act Amendments. James Madison, our 4th President, said, ``I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.'' The PATRIOT Act and its subsequent amendments are exactly what the ``Father of the Constitution'' was talking about. Democracy means the ``common people rule''. And the ``common people'' of the 17th district have proclaimed that Americans should not have to compromise their civil liberties in order to combat extremism. The local governments of Pacific Grove, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and Watsonville, California have all passed resolutions expressing their concerns with the anti-privacy and anti-liberty nature of the PATRIOT Act. As we promote democracy at other countries, should we not ourselves be practicing and preserving democracy within our own society? Madam Speaker, I urge a no vote on the PATRIOT Act amendments.”