I know I've been blowing up the page, but...

Sorry, I've posted a lot today, but I came across the bill that Pres just signed into law. It's called the Protect America Act of 2007, and, as the White House reports, it has four basic provisions:

1. Allows the intelligence community to gather intel- phones, internet, etc- without needing court issued warrants.

2. Provides for FISA courts to review intelligence procedures to ensure the target is actually overseas.

3. "The Act Provides For The FISA Court To Direct Third Parties To Assist The Intelligence Community In Its Collection Efforts. The Act permits the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to direct third parties to provide the information, facilities, and assistance necessary to conduct surveillance of foreign intelligence targets located overseas."

4. "The Act Protects Third Parties From Private Lawsuits Arising From Assistance They Provide The Government."

"To direct third parties to provide the information." I was cool with the first two provisions, though I find it unjust, it concerns a law better suited for regulation by an international organization. The last two, however, force a private company to comply with NO WARRANT. I understand forced compliance with a warrant, but without? poppycock. absolute poppycock. And the name? The Protect America Act? Come on... We had enough after the "aptly" named Patriot Act. I know it's a technique that will probably never die, because it is so effective in rallying the bowtied troops, but stop.