Another sunsetting provision under attack is the so-called "lone
wolf authority," which allows investigators to launch a probe even if they
cannot prove, before they start, that the target is connected to a terrorist
group. Again, the liberals would put the horse before the cart and demand
proof before an inquiry could begin.
Other liberal targets include limiting the use of National
Security Letters -- in effect, subpoenas -- in terror investigations.
The fact is that there has not been a single instance of
reported abuse of these investigative powers by counter-terrorist agents. No
records have even been turned over to other government agencies like the IRS
or the DEA. No leaks have appeared in the media. No citizen's privacy has
been compromised by publication of his secrets in the newspapers.
On the other hand, the list of terror attacks that have been
prevented by using these authorities is extensive. Most recently, these
tools helped stop Najibullah Zazi from loading backpacks with lethal
explosives and detonating them on New York City subways.
Will Obama endorse these crippling amendments? Will Democrats
like Sens. Gillibrand and Schumer, who come from endangered states like New
York, back them?
Heaven help the Democratic Party and President Obama if these
debilitating amendments pass or if the authority to use this statute lapses
and another terrorist attack takes place! Heaven help the victims, too!