Another great day for freedom and democracy. Hooray for no debate because it only raises questions. It also raises unnecessary hope that Congress might do something smart.
US President Barack Obama has signed a four-year extension of the Patriot Act from Paris, extending post-September 11 powers allowing the government to secretly search records and conduct roving wiretaps in pursuit of alleged terrorists or their supporters.
Hours after the US Senate and House of Representatives passed the law, through votes taken in rapid succession, and just minutes before the law was to expire at midnight in Washington DC, Obama sent in a digital signature, finalising the renewal on Thursday.
During congressional debates, legislators rejected attempts to temper the law enforcement powers to ensure that individual liberties would not be abused.
