Sunset

I acknowledge that we are living in exceptional times, and that given the nature of crimes of terrorism, exceptional measures need to be taken.  That is, more-or-less, the rationale under which the so-called Patriot Act was passed.  But let us not forget: these are exceptional measures.  These are *clear* violations of our civil rights—violations which Americans have agreed to because they are willing to make a temporary sacrifice in order to insure domestic tranquility and provide for the common defense.

But since they’re exceptions, since they are blatant violations of the principles we hold dear, why not have sunset provisions for them?  Why would you want to make such morally offensive laws permanent? If the Patriot Act remains both effective and necessary, then Congress should gladly extend the expiration date a few more years at which time we can reconsider it. If not, then they will gracefully expire.

As for the argument that these provisions don’t NEED an expiration date, that Congress can repeal them any time it wants, I don’t buy it.  The sunset provisions force the Patriot Act back onto the agenda, force the American people to discuss it and to reevaluate whether it’s still necessary.

Republicans of all people should be more than glad to put an expiration date on laws that extend government’s power to such a ridiculous degree.  But instead—either out of blind loyality to their party leadership, fear of their party leadership, or out of sheer ignorance—they’re pushing the Patriot Act harder than ever.