Political Quotes

“I just wanted to say a few words on an issue that is of deep concern to many Americans. In 2001, 2006, and in 2011, I voted against the USA PATRIOT Act. I voted against that legislation because I believed in a democratic and constitutional form of government we can effectively combat terrorism without sacrificing the civil liberties and the constitutional protections which make us a free country. The President has said he welcomes a debate on this issue, and I agree with him. There should be a debate. And the debate should center on whether the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is still relevant. If it is, let's abide by it. If it isn't, let's not be hypocrites and let's acknowledge we live in a society, in a nation, where our freedoms and liberties have been severely compromised. But let's not pretend the protections the Fourth Amendment guarantees exist when in fact they do not exist. Here is what the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution states: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or Affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. That is the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Now, let's talk about what we learned in the last week about the National Security Agency's activities.…”