Lisa Graves
Lisa Graves
Lisa Graves is an American progressive who currently serves as Executive Director of the Center for Media and Democracy...
balances checks fixing flaws gives nod patriot toward
It gives a nod toward checks and balances without fixing the most fundamental flaws in the Patriot Act.
blown bravely civil erasing happening law observed people reason servants soviet violations whistle
It's akin to the Soviet Politburo erasing people from photographs. The only reason we know most of these things are happening is that civil servants have observed these violations of the law and have bravely blown the whistle and told the press.
actions assert balances checks congress fail government illegal oversight people proper role seek system
Congress must assert its proper role in our government and through its oversight powers, seek the truth. The system of checks and balances must be restored. The administration's illegal actions fail the American people and our Constitution.
concerns congress followed honest law listen people presented protect recognize rule serious steps voter
When presented with an honest representation, the American voter has serious concerns about the government's actions. Congress must listen and take steps to protect our Constitutional freedoms. The American people recognize that the rule of law must be followed by all - especially the president.
activities applaud blanket both congress demanded effective government hidden illegal law national oversight public reason rule security sides state stop truth using
We applaud those lawmakers, from both sides of the aisle, who have demanded the truth from the government. The rule of law has been broken, and Congress and the public have a right to know. Effective and public oversight can be done without compromising state secrets. The administration must stop using national security as a blanket reason to keep their illegal activities hidden in the shadows.
authorized behavior engaging justify legal seeing
We're seeing an administration that's engaging in a lot of legal hairsplitting to justify behavior that's not authorized by the law.
act allies approach bipartisan building civil clear continue debate defense liberties national needs ordinary patriot protect rights security skepticism speak
The Patriot Act debate has come a long way, but there is still more that needs to be done to protect the rights of ordinary Americans. It is clear that there is building skepticism about the administration's approach to national security and civil liberties, and the ACLU and its bipartisan allies will continue to speak out in defense of all Americans' fundamental civil liberties and constitutional rights.
act adequately citizen civil data debate gather interpose judge patriot point president protects sure whether
The Patriot Act debate is whether FISA adequately protects civil liberties. The point of FISA was to interpose a judge between the president and the citizen to make sure they wouldn't gather data on someone unilaterally.
act bad bipartisan calls despite patriot
The Patriot Act was bad in 2001, and despite bipartisan calls for reform, it's still bad in 2005.