On the surface, there are reasonable complaints. However, barely scratch the surface and you'll see this bill would create a police-intelligence function with absolutely no useful accountability except to the president.

There would be no whistle-blower protection for employees, no FOIA, no nothing. Couldn't keep a secret, you say? The only "secrets" in the successful WTC attack was how often the appropriate people were warned.

No true believer, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, atheist, Republican, Democrat, liberal, conservative, communist or anything else can be trusted with an unfettered, unaccountable police - intelligence agency.

The essence of a democracy is accountability. Yes, even in "war". Give this to Bush, or Clinton, or anyone, and they won't be able to resist using it. There has to be a democracy, a society worth saving. The can already hold any citizen they choose to forever with not legal recourse. Why win a war on terrorism and have nothing to come home to?

Bad law. Terrible law. Give this to them, and the fight becomes to take back the government and your freedom.

Arf