i blame americans. as a group we're too reactionary and scared of our shadows. you see how NYPD has been running game with bail reform with the increased crime bullshyt. now imagine what the national security infrastructure would be spinning out there about how SENATOR SO AND SO voted to cripple our terrorism preventing capabilities while ahmed and abdullah are free to engage in wiring money to terrorists, blah blah.
the patriot act had vast support. bush had a 90% approval rating after 9/11 (glad i was always in that 10% and know people who act like they were but i remember and call them on it all the time). the rally behind the flag bullshyt just gets people going. all the national security personnel have to do is blame or allow an attack on the repeal of the patriot act and every senator who "made america unsafe" is a pariah and out on their ass. some of us know that one doesn't have anything to do with the other, but that's not the tale that will be believed by the majority.
i don't envy these people when it comes to votes on national security and law enforcement. people say one thing and vote the other way, they want to "feel safe" "the children" "the troops". a repeal needs to be strongly bi-partisan. another terrorist attack is coming whether we have the patriot act or not, but instead of people saying get rid of this shyt it didn't stop anything, they'll ask for more.