[Originally posted at http://rense.com/general94/patr.htm . For those of you who aren't quite old enough to remember, the USA "PATRIOT" act was signed into law almost 10 years ago. It was one of the many outrages justified by the sham of the "official story" of the 9-11 attacks, and was passed on the heels of the Anthrax attacks, which targeted (among others) Senate Majority leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota and head of the Senate Judiciary Committee Patrick Leahy. As I recall it was supposed to have been temporary. They said the Iraq war was only going to last a few days, too.]
From Scott Hamilton
8-28-11
Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III: No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Indirect. Of course, if you are imprisoned without charges, you do not have your freedom of speech, religious liberty, or your right to bear arms.
Amendment IV: 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.
DIRECT HIT. The Patriot Act rips this amendment right out of the constitution. The gov't can do warrantless searches without even informing the property owner they were there. No probable cause needs to be proved, no oath taken, and no limit to what can ben searched or seized.
Amendment V: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
DIRECT HIT. Grand jury? You get no jury under the Patriot Act. Due process of law? There IS NO due process of law under the Patriot Act.
Amendment VI: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
DIRECT HIT. Under the Patriot Act there are no charges much less trial, jury, witnesses, or counsel.
Amendment VII: In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Corollary. More rights rendered obsolete by the Patriot Act.
Amendment IX: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
DIRECT HIT. What rights retained by the people? We have none under the Patriot Act.
Amendment X: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
DIRECT HIT. The Patriot Act supersedes rights of states and people.
AMENDMENT XIII: Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
DIRECT HIT. Without all the other rights, we are slaves. Anyone who supports the Patriot Act after seeing this holds the constitution in contempt and is guilty of treason against America.